Suzuki Motor plans to resume vehicle production in Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, in May.
The company said it is investing US$7m to refurbish its existing assembly facility in the country’s commercial capital Yangon.
The facility operated as joint venture between Suzuki and Myanmar’s government between 1998-2010, albeit with very patchy production. Operations ceased in 2010 after the two partners failed to extend their initial contract and the facility was subsequently closed down.
Initial production will amount to 100 Carry mini commercial vehicles per month, employing 90 staff, for sale domestically.
The Myanmar government’s recent progress towards greater openness and democratisation has brought in a number of early-stage foreign investors, including a number of Japanese firms, attracted by the country’s long-term growth potential.
