A place to build.
A framework to grow.
From Thilawa today to zone classification and approvals.
Connect the location to the conditions for your investment.
Separate operating sites from project plans.
Thilawa opened in 2015. Company figures below come from the verified MJTD outline dated 1 January 2026.
Thilawa SEZ
Developed and operated by Myanmar Japan Thilawa Development (MJTD), across Zone A and Zone B. [1] [6]
- Operating companies
- 102companies
- Approved & contracted
- 114companies
As at 1 January 2026. These figures represent overlapping stages and must not be added. Confirm available plots/factories, rent and utility capacity with MJTD.
Dawei
TANINTHARYI REGIONA government report of 6 July 2026 describes work toward restarting the project and defining port limits. Assess its readiness separately from an operating location. [7]
Kyaukphyu
RAKHINE STATEA government report of 4 August 2026 describes water-infrastructure construction for the project. It does not confirm commercial commencement or tenant-entry terms. Distinguish existing oil/gas facilities from the SEZ project. [8]
Start with the market you will serve.
Free Zone and Promotion Zone are legal classifications. They differ from Thilawa’s physical development areas, Zone A and Zone B.
Free Zone
Primarily export-oriented activities; domestic sales have their own conditions.
- Holiday starts from commercial commencement.
- Next 5 years: 50% income tax relief.
- Following 5 years: 50% relief on qualifying reinvested profits.
Promotion Zone
Primarily domestic-market activities; confirm the conditions for the goods or services.
- Holiday starts from commercial commencement.
- Next 5 years: 50% income tax relief.
- Following 5 years: 50% relief on qualifying reinvested profits.
Investor incentives under section 32. The final phase applies to profits reserved and reinvested within one year in the same business. Developer incentives differ. [2]
Import relief is item-specific.
Free Zones receive relief on qualifying inputs and equipment. For qualifying Promotion Zone equipment, the first 5 years are exempt, then 50% relief applies for 5 years. Production inputs require a separate check. [2]
Keep records after approval.
Retain records of imports, exports, domestic sales and reinvestment. Operating in both zones requires separate accounts. Check annual reporting and audit requirements for Free Zone activities. [3]
Compare the incentive phases.
Explore the MIC and SEZ incentive timelines.
Prepare your next step.
Turn the business plan into a clear set of application requirements.
- 01
Discuss site & requirements
Discuss use, area, budget, power, water and logistics with the developer.
- 02
Prepare the project plan
Prepare funding, sales mix, layout, equipment and environmental documents.
- 03
Apply to the committee
Apply for the SEZ Management Committee’s investment approval and coordinate related OSSC procedures.
- 04
Register & prepare
Confirm company registration, construction/import permissions and operating reports.
SOURCES & APPLICABILITYSources and applicability.
Sources and applicability.
Public information checked on 13 October 2026. Legislation dates, data reference dates and our review date are shown separately.
This is a general guide. Confirm project-specific applicability, amendments, practice and approval conditions with the authority and advisers before applying. This page is not updated automatically.
- 01MJTD · 01 JAN 2026
Thilawa SEZ project outline ↗
Prepared by MJTD; hosted by the Japan Myanmar Association. Figures at 1 January 2026: 102 operating, 114 approved, 115 reservations. These stages overlap and must not be added.
- 02MINISTRY OF COMMERCE · LAW 1/2014
Myanmar Special Economic Zone Law ↗
23 January 2014. Section 32 for investors; sections 44–45 for imports. Developer incentives are outside this comparison.
- 03MINISTRY OF COMMERCE · RULES 1/2015
Myanmar Special Economic Zone Rules ↗
27 August 2015. Rule 47 applications; 59–60 reporting; 68–71 separate accounts, transferred projects and records.
- 04THILAWA SEZ MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE
Thilawa investment application ↗
Land reservation, pre-application consultation, application and attachments. A reservation is not investment approval.
- 05THILAWA SEZ MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE
Company registration ↗
Registration for SEZ-law investors and its distinction from an existing DICA-registered entity.
- 06MJTD · OFFICIAL WEBSITE
Developer and operator updates ↗
Zone A opened in September 2015, followed by Zone B expansion. The site also carries 2026 activity updates. Enquire for plot availability and pricing.
- 07MINISTRY OF INFORMATION · 06 JUL 2026
Procedures toward restarting Dawei ↗
Government report of Commerce Ministry remarks on restart procedures and port limits. It does not establish commercial operation.
- 08MINISTRY OF INFORMATION · 04 AUG 2026
Water infrastructure for the Kyaukphyu SEZ project ↗
Government report on weir construction for the SEZ project. Distinguish the existing oil/gas pipeline operation from SEZ readiness.