The Ministry of Electric Power (MOEP)recently stated that Western companies in Europe and North America are likely to build the next set of hydropower dams in Myanmar. Chinese and Thai firms have been dominating the hydropower sector of Myanmar in the past and the government now looks towards Western firms’ reliable construction quality and international standards for new dams. However, the government also signed agreements with three Chinese firms and a Thai company to build four hydropower projects on Thanlwin River.

All projects are required to undergo a complete environmental and social impact assessment survey before initiation. Myanmar is also keen to address a chronic electricity supply problem partly through hydropower.