Tay Za
Tay Za and the Htoo Group of Companies
Background and Rise to Prominence
Tay Za, born on July 18, 1964, in Yangon, Myanmar, is a prominent business tycoon and the founder of the Htoo Group of Companies (HGC). He is the youngest of six siblings, and his father, Myint Swe, was a retired lieutenant colonel at the Ministry of Industry. Tay Za’s early career began in the 1980s, and he established Htoo Trading in 1990, which later evolved into the expansive Htoo Group. His business ventures encompass various sectors, including timber extraction, construction, aviation, banking, and hospitality .
Htoo Group of Companies
HGC is a conglomerate headquartered in Yangon, Myanmar, with subsidiaries such as Air Bagan, Htoo Wood Products Company, and Myanmar Avia Export Company. The group has been involved in significant infrastructure projects, including construction contracts in the capital city of Naypyidaw. In 2007, Htoo Trading was Burma’s top private exporter, with gross revenues of $65.1 million .
Military Ties and Sanctions
Tay Za has been a close associate of Myanmar’s former military leadership, including General Than Shwe. His business dealings have included supplying military hardware, such as MiG-29 fighter aircraft, to the Myanmar military. These activities have led to international sanctions. In 2008, the U.S. Department of the Treasury imposed financial sanctions on Tay Za and his associated companies for their support of the military junta . Similarly, in 2021, the UK government sanctioned Tay Za and HGC for providing financial support and arms to the military, noting their involvement in the military’s actions against the Rohingya in 2017 .
Philanthropy
In 2008, following Cyclone Nargis, Tay Za established the Htoo Foundation, focusing on education, healthcare, and cultural preservation in Myanmar. The foundation has been involved in various charitable activities, including the reconstruction of schools and hospitals in affected areas .
Tay Za is married to Thida Zaw, and they have three children: Pye Phyo Tay Za, Htoo Htet Tay Za, and Rachel Tayza. Pye Phyo Tay Za has been involved in the family’s business ventures, including roles in companies like Apex Petroleum Company Limited and Yangon Aircraft Engineering Company Limited .
Tay Za’s legacy is marked by his significant influence in Myanmar’s business landscape, his close ties to the military regime, and his involvement in various sectors ranging from timber to aviation. While his philanthropic efforts through the Htoo Foundation have contributed to social causes, his business practices and associations have attracted international scrutiny and sanctions.
