India plans to set up a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Sittwe, Rakhine State, where it has already built a port. The proposed SEZ by India will rival the Chinese SEZ located 80 km down of strategically located Sittwe as Delhi plans to make it an economic hub, India’s Economic Times reported on 2 August.
The aim of the SEZ is to help expand India's footprints in South East Asia amid China’s plans for massive road and port connectivity projects in the region as part of its One Belt One Road initiative, according to the report.
This SEZ will be located about 37 miles upstream of Sittwe town, officials familiar with the development told Economic Times. The SEZ is being planned in Ponnagyun Township.