Officials from Thailand and Myanmar are speeding up development of the Dawei Special Economic Zone (SEZ).

Officials from the two countries discussed the longstanding SEZ project at a Myanmar-Thailand Joint Coordinating Committee meeting in Nay Pyi Taw. The committee discussed the timeline to complete the project’s initial phase and move into its final phase, as well as power and other infrastructure development. Both sides agreed to try and speed up work on the SEZ, which has been developing in fits and starts since 2008.

If the Dawei SEZ were to be completed, it could be the largest of its kind in Southeast Asia. A tax haven for foreign trade and manufacturing, the SEZ is planned in nine zones, a deep sea port and a new highway linking Dawei with the Thai border. However, disputes with Thai partners slowed development and eventually halted progress entirely in 2013. Although resumed in 2015 with new investment from Japan, power and transportation issues remain at the top of the list of development goals.

One key component, according to the committee, will be an ambitious new highway linking Dawei to Kanchanaburi, Thailand. That project will be funded by a MMK 220.6 billion, 0.1 percent interest loan from Thailand. Furthermore, the government also plans to renovate and expand Dawei’s airport.