The Myanmar Investment Commission has granted approval for the construction of the first phase of a “city expansion” project in Myawaddy Township, Kayin State, which is supported by a local Border Guard Force (BGF) and a Chinese conglomerate, according to an article published in Frontier. The US$ 22.5 million project is being developed by Myanmar Yatai International Holding Group, a joint venture between the Kayin Border Guard Force, and China-listed Jilin Yatai Group, the report said, citing an official from the Directorate of Investment and Company Administration. Daw Mya Sandar, a DICA director, was quoted as saying that the first phase will involve the construction of high-end villas on 25.5 acres of land next to the Thaung Yin River in Myawaddy, which is close to the border with Thailand. The Chinese firm will hold an 80 percent stake in the project, with the rest held by the BGF, the report said. Director of the project Saw Min Min was quoted as saying that the entire project will be on 2,000 acres of land, and will include a hotel, school, monastery, shopping center, park, villas, and a golf course. The backers of the project hope to complete the first phase within three years.