+
Myanmar in talks with Russia to build deepsea port & oil refinery
PORTS & SHIPPING

Myanmar in talks with Russia to build deepsea port & oil refinery

The decision by Myanmar's ruling junta to choose Russia for the construction of a Dawei deep seaport on the country's east coast has angered China, which had also been considering building the port near the Thailand border.

It has been learned that the Myanmar junta is interested in having Russian investment in the port project, along with the establishment of a special economic zone that includes an oil refinery.

China had previously conducted a feasibility study of the Dawei port but decided to focus on building the Kyakphyu deep seaport, which is near the Sittwe port built by India. However, the junta's preference for Russia has displeased the Chinese, according to experts familiar with Myanmar affairs.

The proposed Dawei port, located in the Tanintharyi region on Myanmar's east coast along the Andaman Sea, serves as the gateway to the Greater Mekong Sub-region (GMS), comprising Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, Vietnam, and China. It could also potentially serve as a gateway port for Thailand's containerised trade, as Bangkok is approximately 300 kilometers away from Dawei, connected by a two-way concrete road.

It has been revealed that Myanmar and Russia are currently in discussions regarding the proposed port, as the junta aims to align itself more closely with Moscow to counterbalance Chinese influence in the resource-rich country. Discussions include plans to construct the Dawei port with a capacity of 10 million tonnes and an oil refinery capable of processing 100,000 barrels per day. However, Beijing is concerned that Russia's involvement in Myanmar's port sector will undermine Chinese projects in Kyaukphyu within the broader context of global trade in the region.

India may view Myanmar's growing alignment with Russia more favorably than its ties with China, as China has been utilizing Myanmar for accessing natural resources and expanding its presence in the Bay of Bengal region, where India has historically played a significant security role. Submarines previously provided by India to Myanmar have Russian origins. Additionally, in Sri Lanka, Indian and Russian companies have formed a joint venture to manage an airport near the Chinese-managed Hambantota port.

Earlier in March, it was reported that Myanmar's junta sought to decrease its reliance on Beijing and was looking to expand ties with Russia for military supplies and the development of infrastructure and energy projects.

Myanmar's Minister of Investment and Foreign Economic Relations, Dr Kan Zaw, recently visited Moscow to explore opportunities for port development, the establishment of a special economic zone, the construction of a petroleum refinery, a 660 MW thermal power plant, and a 330 MW nuclear power plant. Additionally, efforts were made to promote trade settlement in national currencies.

The decision by Myanmar's ruling junta to choose Russia for the construction of a Dawei deep seaport on the country's east coast has angered China, which had also been considering building the port near the Thailand border. It has been learned that the Myanmar junta is interested in having Russian investment in the port project, along with the establishment of a special economic zone that includes an oil refinery. China had previously conducted a feasibility study of the Dawei port but decided to focus on building the Kyakphyu deep seaport, which is near the Sittwe port built by India. However, the junta's preference for Russia has displeased the Chinese, according to experts familiar with Myanmar affairs. The proposed Dawei port, located in the Tanintharyi region on Myanmar's east coast along the Andaman Sea, serves as the gateway to the Greater Mekong Sub-region (GMS), comprising Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, Vietnam, and China. It could also potentially serve as a gateway port for Thailand's containerised trade, as Bangkok is approximately 300 kilometers away from Dawei, connected by a two-way concrete road. It has been revealed that Myanmar and Russia are currently in discussions regarding the proposed port, as the junta aims to align itself more closely with Moscow to counterbalance Chinese influence in the resource-rich country. Discussions include plans to construct the Dawei port with a capacity of 10 million tonnes and an oil refinery capable of processing 100,000 barrels per day. However, Beijing is concerned that Russia's involvement in Myanmar's port sector will undermine Chinese projects in Kyaukphyu within the broader context of global trade in the region. India may view Myanmar's growing alignment with Russia more favorably than its ties with China, as China has been utilizing Myanmar for accessing natural resources and expanding its presence in the Bay of Bengal region, where India has historically played a significant security role. Submarines previously provided by India to Myanmar have Russian origins. Additionally, in Sri Lanka, Indian and Russian companies have formed a joint venture to manage an airport near the Chinese-managed Hambantota port. Earlier in March, it was reported that Myanmar's junta sought to decrease its reliance on Beijing and was looking to expand ties with Russia for military supplies and the development of infrastructure and energy projects. Myanmar's Minister of Investment and Foreign Economic Relations, Dr Kan Zaw, recently visited Moscow to explore opportunities for port development, the establishment of a special economic zone, the construction of a petroleum refinery, a 660 MW thermal power plant, and a 330 MW nuclear power plant. Additionally, efforts were made to promote trade settlement in national currencies.

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

Railways Opens First Section of Bullet Train Tunnel in Maharashtra

The Mumbai–Ahmedabad bullet train project has achieved a key milestone with the opening of the first section of a 21-km undersea tunnel between Ghansoli and Shilphata in Maharashtra. The high-speed rail corridor, powered entirely by Japanese Shinkansen technology, has seen 310 km of viaducts completed, alongside rapid progress in track laying, electrical works, and station construction. Five of the 12 stations are complete, with three more nearing completion. The BKC station, located 32.5 metres underground, is designed to support a 95-metre structure above. The next-generation E10 Shin..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Mahindra, Osaka Ink Pact to Boost Japanese Investment

Mahindra Industrial Park Chennai (MIPCL), along with its Japanese stakeholder Sumitomo Corporation, has signed a strategic cooperation agreement with the Osaka Prefecture and Osaka Industrial Development Bureau to support Osaka-based businesses entering India.The partnership aims to streamline entry for Japanese manufacturers, providing support such as business visits, regulatory guidance, and market insights. MIPCL and Sumitomo will act as local facilitators, while Osaka authorities will identify and recommend companies for expansion.With India’s projected GDP growth of 6.3 per cent in FY25..

Next Story
Building Material

Govt Plans Mandatory Public Procurement of Green Steel

The Ministry of Steel is working on modalities to mandate public procurement of green steel, as part of its efforts to decarbonise the industry. A Rs 150 billion Green Steel Mission is being formulated to support emission reduction and move towards net-zero targets.The mission will include a PLI scheme, incentives for renewable energy use, and mandates for government agencies to buy green steel. Green steel is produced with significantly lower carbon emissions compared to conventional methods.Speaking at the India Steel Conclave 2025, a senior official said procurement mandates are under consi..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?