Yangon-based Hantharwady Development Public Company has begun the implementation of the proposed industrial park in Bago Region but The Myanmar Times could not find any environmental assessment or approval regarding the project, which is required by law.
Bago’s regional government has released its investment report for the last two years on July 20. A domestic investment involving K1 billion was approved in 2016-17 and four others involving K319 billion in 2017-18. In 2017-18, the approved total investment amount soared owing to the Hantharwady industrial park proposal, which accounts for K222 billion (US$545 million), which is developed by Hantharwady Development Public Company.
The Myanmar Investment Commission (MIC) gave permission in August last year to the company to lease and develop an industrial park in Bago Region, an official document revealed.
According to Yangon-based membership organisation, Myanmar Investors Development Association, Hantharwady Development plans to implement the industrial park alongside an “eco-resort” and urban project. The industrial area, including residential, manufacturing, logistics and other components, will cover around 2,500 acres and is located in Inntagaw township, Bago, which is approximately 15 miles away from the proposed airport which has consistently failed to receive investor interest.
Hantharwady Development has already started the implementation of the industrial park proposal, according to U Ko Ko Latt, secretary of the regional investment commission. The first phase will be completed within three years. Even with permission from the regional commission, the environmental law and other regulations still apply.
However, no known Environmental Impact Assessment has been commissioned or approved.
The 2015 Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Procedure under the Environmental Conservation Law states that any industrial zone project requires construction and development of a proposed industrial zone/ park to undertake an EIA.
Article 83 of that law demands that any permit regarding implementation of the project can only be granted to a developer after the issuance of an Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) by the environment ministry.
Hantharwady Development was registered in Yangon, based on information from the Directorate of Investment and Company Administration. The Myanmar Times could not find the company’s website online.
