Representatives from CITIC and Myanmar’s military government held a ceremony Tuesday in Naypyitaw, the capital, as the project’s joint venture led by the Chinese group signed an addendum to a concession agreement with Myanmar authorities intended to restart efforts on the port.

The port is planned for the special economic zone in Kyaukphyu, a township in western Rakhine state. It would serve as a key terminus connecting the Chinese mainland with the Indian Ocean.

The time frame for completion is unclear, but Myanmar government officials say the goal is to restart the project “as soon as possible.” The port, in the works since the mid-2010s, was put on hold due to disruptions by the pandemic and the Myanmar military’s takeover of the country in 2021.

Under China’s Belt and Road infrastructure initiative, the China-Myanmar Economic Corridor would traverse the Southeast Asian country to further Chinese trade with the Middle East, Africa and Europe.

Kyaukphyu serves as the gateway in that vision by forming the endpoint for overland logistics channels from mainland China. The town also is cited for its strategic importance in military matters.

Since the military takeover, many developed nations have distanced themselves from Myanmar’s infrastructure projects. CITIC and other Chinese entities are working with Myanmar’s authorities to establish a foothold in the business and security fronts.