Suzuki to Enter Thilawa

Japanese automaker Suzuki will build an assembly plant in the Thilawa Special Economic Zone (SEZ), according to Japanese media.

A report from media group Nikkei said that the company had secured a 20-hectare plot of land inside the zone.

The factory would be Suzuki’s second in Myanmar. In 2013, the company restarted its Yangon factory, which assembles a small number of light trucks.

According to Nikkei, Suzuki’s new plant could begin production in 2017, employing about 300 people.

“Suzuki will assemble imported parts at the plant,” the report said. “Initial output is seen at roughly 10,000 cars a year. It could produce the Ertiga, a seven-seat compact, among other models there.” —Simon Lewis