Min Aung Hlaing Promotes Son’s Yatanarpon New City Project During China and India Trips, But No One Shows Up

Yangon, July 7 Terrorist group leader Min Aung Hlaing, during his trips to China and India, promoted the Yatanarpon New City project, which is managed by his son, but no one has shown up to invest, according to a source from UMFCCI (Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry) who spoke to Khit Thit Media. Terrorist group leader Min Aung Hlaing visited India from May 30 to June 3, 2026, and China from June 15 to 19. During these trips, he met with Chinese and Indian businessmen and companies, promoting the Yatanarpon New City project and offering tax exemptions, land lease rights, and business permits. However, nearly 20 days after his trips to China and India, it has been learned that there have been no inquiries or expressions of interest from investors for the Yatanarpon New City project. "There have been no contacts from China or India. There is a committee formed to invite business investments, which includes officials from UMFCCI and the relevant ministries. No one has contacted this committee or submitted proposals or expressions of interest (EOI) regarding the Yatanarpon New City project. The situation is such that we can only proceed with domestic businessmen and companies," the UMFCCI source said. He further explained that although the terrorist Min Aung Hlaing enthusiastically invited investments for the Yatanarpon New City project during his foreign trips, Chinese and Indian businessmen appear to be hesitant to invest due to the current political and economic instability. "I believe it is due to the political and economic instability. It's not just the Yatanarpon New City project; there are no inquiries in the private sector at all," the source continued. In Mandalay Region, Pyin Oo Lwin Township, Aung Pyae Sone, the son of Min Aung Hlaing, is redeveloping the Yatanarpon New City project, also known as New Mandalay Resort City. In the Yatanarpon New City project, Aung Pyae Sone has obtained the rights to construct and manage not only housing projects but also the water, electricity, roads, and basic infrastructure for the entire new city project. The Yatanarpon New City project, located on 10,000 acres near Thone Taung village in Pyin Oo Lwin Township, Mandalay Region, was initially launched in 2016 and was attempted to be continued in 2020 before being halted. The NLD government had initiated the project with the aim of creating a new city focused on green and technology development and tourism services in Upper Myanmar, but it was suspended again in 2020. Currently, the terrorist group leader Min Aung Hlaing has ordered the resumption of the Yatanarpon New City project, and a 12-member Yatanarpon New City Project Supervisory Committee, led by the Minister of Construction, was formed on August 30, 2025. It is known that cronies close to the military are expected to obtain business rights in this project, and currently, Min Aung Hlaing's son, Aung Pyae Sone, has secured rights to construct hospitals, roads, and basic infrastructure. It is understood that urban plans for the Yatanarpon New City project, intended to transform Pyin Oo Lwin into a Green and Smart City and tourism hub for Upper Myanmar, have already been completed. The Yatanarpon New City project is planned to include an Agro-Based Industrial Zone Research and Development Center, as well as Education and Health Services/Tourism Centers, including hospitals. Under the previous NLD government, the project consisted of three phases: Phase 1 covered 2,200 acres, Phase 2 covered 2,919 acres, and Phase 3 covered 4,744 acres, including industrial zones, high-end residential areas, affordable housing, golf courses, agricultural zones, and AGRO PARK areas. The Yatanarpon New City project was first launched in June 2006 during the era of former dictator Than Shwe but was suspended. It was then revived in 2016 under the NLD government but failed to succeed and was suspended in 2020.