The project will involve upgrading of river port facilities in Pakokku Port in Pakokku, which is one of a largest cities in Magway Region. It is situated about 30 km north-east of Bagan on the Ayeyarwady River. The Ayeyarwady River is the largest river in Myanmar and is considered a major transportation system both in terms of volume of goods and population served.

Pakokku’s strategic location in Central Myanmar makes it an important hub for transport of people and goods. It is connected to other parts of the country and to China, Thailand and India by multiple modes of transportation. Pakokku Bridge is part of the India–Myanmar–Thailand Trilateral Highway and is one the longest bridges in Myanmar.

The development of Pakokku Inland Port aims to improve efficiency in transportation, facilitate effective cargo handling with mechanical loading equipment, and activate new transport demand and inland transport business.

Currently, Pakokku Port has manual facilities and could not handle big cargo because of lack of modern equipment. Given increasing population, and economic development of Pakokku Division and the surrounding areas, an inland port with modern equipment and machinery will be essential to facilitate large amount of cargo flow. Use of mechanical equipment and introduction of palletized cargo and containerized cargo system will facilitate efficient and cost-effective cargo handling.