Stephenson Harwood has advised International Bulk Thilawa Terminal Limited (IBTT), a joint venture between Lluvia, a Myanmar agri-processing company and Japan's Kamigumi, an integrated logistics firm, on a loan facility from the International Finance Corporation to develop a US$65 million port project at Thilawa Special Economic Zone in Yangon.  Lluvia's primary stakeholder is Capital Diamond Star Group, a leading Myanmar conglomerate with businesses across a range of sectors including real estate, retail, FMCG, healthcare and financial services.

Nevcan Coban, Project Lead on Thilawa Bulk Terminal Project, Capital Diamond Star Group, said: "The specialised technical advice provided by Tom, Ben and the Stephenson Harwood Myanmar team enabled us to navigate the local regulatory framework in an efficient, commercial and pragmatic manner.  We look forward to working with them again."

IBTT will be one of the first providers of specialised bulk cargo handling, assisting the continued development of the Thilawa Special Economic Zone and the investment reflects the Government's prioritisation of infrastructure projects, and encouragement of private participation in such projects.

The Stephenson Harwood team was led by Yangon-based senior associate Ben Hickson together with partner Tom Platts, with support from London-based finance partner Rubin Weston. Support was also provided by associate, Kyaw Zin Htet and associate, Su Wai Phyo.