19 Diplomatic Missions Considering Move to Capital: Govt

By Kyaw Myo 14 January 2019

NAYPYITAW — Nineteen countries have proposed opening embassies in the diplomatic zone of Myanmar’s capital, Naypyitaw, and three have already acquired land there, said U Min Thu, a member of the Naypyitaw Development Committee.

Bangladesh and Malaysia have bought land in the diplomatic zone while Brunei has exchanged its embassy compound in Yangon for property in the capital, U Min Thu told reporters in Naypyitaw on Saturday.

“They have paid money and signed agreements. And Qatar is in the final stage of signing the agreement,” he said.

“South Korea and Australia have also come and seen the land in the diplomatic zone and made inquiries,” he added.

The Naypyitaw municipality has set the price of land at $500,000 per acre. Each plot measures over five acres, and diplomatic missions are allowed to purchase two plots each.

Major powers such as the United States, China and India have proposed purchasing more than two plots, said U Min Thu.

Naypyitaw could benefit from the relocation of the diplomat community, said Daw Pyone Cathy Naing, a member of the Lower House’s International Relations Committee.

“Their relocation will attract investment in healthcare and education [for the diplomats’ children] and related infrastructure development, so it is good,” she said.

The diplomatic zone is located in Dekkhinathiri Township and covers a total 1,500 acres, including 120 plots for foreign missions. Roads, electricity and water have been provided to facilitate their relocation.

The Naypyitaw municipality is also preparing to build hospitals and colleges that meet international standards, said U Min Thu.

Translated from Burmese by Thet Ko Ko.