Big Thai construction firm eyes greater Yangon region

07 April 2015
Big Thai construction firm eyes greater Yangon region

Thailand’s second-biggest construction firm, Ch Karnchang Plc, is studying infrastructure development opportunities in Myanmar with a focus on the greater Yangon region, the Bangkok Post reported on April 7.
The company is particularly interested in electricity, dam and highway projects and was awaiting the completion of an investment feasibility study, the report said.
"There are many opportunities in Myanmar, and we're ready to take the initiative, but the study must be completed before we enter the country," Mr Vorapote Uchapaiboonyong, CK’s executive vice-president for accounting and finance, told the newspaper.
Mr Vorapote said it would be difficult to estimate the amount CK was prepared to invest until the study was completed.
"We conducted thorough studies in Laos before investing in that country. We're adopting a similar approach for Myanmar," he said.
He said CK's investment framework in Myanmar could involve either a construction-based procedure or forming a joint-investment partnership with the Myanmar government.
Investment risks in the country include rules and regulations for investment and other associated risks, Mr Vorapote said.
He said CK subsidiary Thai Tap Water Supply Plc was conducting a feasibility study into investing in tap water development in Mawlamyine, Myanmar's fourth-largest city, and this could pave the way for CK to explore future investment incentives there.