Myanmar to Establish Agro-Based Textile Complex at Shwedaung to Boost Agro-Industrial Output

Pyay Township, Bago Region – The Ministry of Industry (MoI) of Myanmar has unveiled plans to establish a large agro-based textile industrial complex at the No. 1 Textile Factory in Shwedaung, Pyay Township. The move is intended to strengthen the country’s agro-industrial value chain by integrating cotton cultivation, thread and textile production, and downstream manufacturing—all aimed at reducing import dependency and boosting local socio-economic growth.

Covering 258 acres of land owned by the No. 1 Textile Factory in Shwedaung, the textile complex is being advertised for development through private sector participation. MoI has completed the tender process and expects a pilot phase to begin before the end of this year.

The project is structured in phases: Phase I will include establishment of textile training schools, industrial meeting halls, product display rooms, and laboratories. Phase II is set to house facilities for dyeing and printing, and paint removal. Phase III will encompass factories for weaving and textile production, warehouses, logistics, a dormitory for trainees, staff housing, a recreation centre, clinics, solid-waste management and fire-fighting infrastructure, among others.

Officials believe the complex will deliver multiple benefits. Primarily, it aims to link livestock of cotton growers, cotton-thread and fabric producers in a more cohesive production chain; generate employment; and promote skill development in textile processing and manufacturing.

The complex also aligns with broader national goals. Myanmar has been emphasizing expansion in cotton cultivation zones, improved raw material handling (e.g. cotton ginning, quality seed use), and moving up the value chain from raw cotton to finished textile products. Senior government leaders have stressed that producing threads and fabrics domestically will reduce import of finished textile goods. Investments in domestic machinery, modern inputs, and technical capacity are considered essential.

However, challenges loom. Ensuring consistent supply of high-quality cotton, improved farming methods, water management, and infrastructure are needed to sustain the supply chain. Private capital participation is being invited, but investors will seek assurances on returns, regulatory stability, and access to raw materials. Also, balancing environmental concerns—especially in dyeing and waste-water treatment—is crucial to ensure sustainable growth.

Outlook: If successfully implemented, the Shwedaung agro-textile complex could become a model hub in Myanmar’s agro-industrial landscape. It offers potential to lift regional incomes, create skilled jobs, reduce textile imports, and catalyze local industries from farm to finished fabric. The pilot phase, set to begin soon, will be observed closely for its ability to deliver on these promises.