Port project back on track

EDIT CONTAINS 4:3 MATERIAL

This is the future of Myanmar. The once cloistered nation has opened up in recent years... and world businesses and governments are taking notice.

Plans for a multi-billion dollar port and special economic zone are moving forward after months of setbacks.

Thai government confidence in the project has emboldened banks to offer million dollar loans to help move the project along.

(SOUNDBITE) (English) SOMCHET THINAPHONG, MANAGING DIRECTOR OF DAWEI DEVELOPMENT COMPANY SAYING:

"Now with the government in to play or coming to help or support, you can imagine those who comes to invest can have, as I say again, more confidence, more faith, more trust."

Locals whose livelihoods and homes are in jeopardy over the construction of the port, have voiced their concerns.

Promises to build econ friendly facilities have pacified them, for now.

But plans for super highways, petrochemical plants, two golf courses and a resort aren't likely to get approval without at least some resistence.

Still, the economic advantages to this and other Southeast Asian Nations are almost certain to override local objections.