Русский
Russia and Myanmar have concluded a Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) that assists their respective investors with legally binding agreements on mutual protection of investments. BIT can also provide some tax benefits.
The document was signed on Friday at the 2025 St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF 2025) by Russian Economic Development Minister Maxim Reshetnikov and Myanmar Investment and Foreign Economic Relations Minister Kan Zaw.
Reshetnikov said that “This agreement opens new prospects for Russian businesses in Myanmar. We particularly note Myanmar’s readiness to involve Russian companies in offshore oil and gas field development. Russian technology and expertise could play a key role in developing Myanmar’s energy sector.”
The BIT establishes a legal framework for expanding investment cooperation between the countries, providing investment protection guarantees, ensuring non-discriminatory treatment for investors, and mechanisms for resolving investment disputes, including through international arbitration.
In terms of Myanmar-specific coverage, the agreement contains provisions simplifying investment procedures to accelerate the implementation of mutually beneficial projects, including the Dawei Special Economic Zone, where plans for a 660 MW coal-fired power plant to provide energy for investing businesses are being developed.
The Dawei SEZ is a significant project within the broader economic corridor between Myanmar, Thailand, and other Southeast Asian nations. The Dawei SEZ is close to the border with Thailand and is designed to be a gateway to India, the Middle East, Africa, and Europe for Southeast Asia. It includes a deep-sea port with road and rail connectivity.
Beyond energy, the BIT agreement will also help create favourable conditions for cooperation in promising Myanmar development sectors such as transport infrastructure, metallurgy, agriculture, and telecommunications.
Further Reading
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