Myanmar presented as "land bridge" connecting 3 regions, military leader invites Thai investment

Thai PBS Myanmar's military leader, Min Aung Hlaing, co-chaired the opening ceremony of the Thailand-Myanmar Business Forum 2026 held at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center on August 6, presenting his vision to Thai investors of developing Myanmar as a strategic "land bridge" connecting three regions. In his remarks to Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and business leaders, Min Aung Hlaing stated that Thailand is among the top five countries in foreign direct investment in Myanmar, with an investment of US$4.6 billion in 103 current projects. He said that by combining Myanmar's natural resources and labor force with Thailand's capital, technology, and management skills, a stable economic environment could be created for both countries. Min Aung Hlaing pointed out that Myanmar's geographical location can connect East Asia, Southeast Asia, and South Asia, and could become an important transportation route between the Pacific Ocean and the Indian Ocean. Furthermore, he urged Thai businesses to invest more in special economic zones, particularly mentioning the Dawei deep-sea port project as a potential shortest route for exporting Thai products to South Asian and West Asian markets. The Thilawa and Kyaukphyu special economic zones were also mentioned as areas with investment potential. Priority sectors for receiving foreign investment were also listed as clean energy technology, electric vehicle manufacturing, battery manufacturing, and steel manufacturing. He also invited investment in the processing and manufacturing of high-value agricultural products and the pharmaceutical sector, and urged Thailand's healthcare sector to directly invest in medical services in Myanmar. He also spoke about expanding transportation and logistics businesses in the border economic zones of Myawaddy, Tachileik, and Kawthaung, and leveraging the benefits of the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway. Min Aung Hlaing also called for joint efforts to suppress illegal trade along the approximately 2,400-kilometer border between Thailand and Myanmar. He stated that illegal trade passing through major border gates such as Mae Sot-Myawaddy and Mae Sai-Tachileik, in particular, not only reduces tax revenue for both countries but also exposes consumers to the risks of substandard products and unregulated medicines. He also said that economic and regulatory reforms are continuing to ensure investor confidence. Min Aung Hlaing stated that four intellectual property laws enacted in 2024 are being fully implemented, and tax incentives are being provided for electric vehicle manufacturing and related businesses. Furthermore, he said that under the Myanmar-Thailand Agreement for the Promotion and Protection of Investments, the security and legal protection of businesses will be guaranteed, and administrative processes will be simplified and expedited to facilitate cross-border investments.