"Residents of Dawei, the southern seaport that is set to become the site of Burma?s largest industrial zone, say they welcome the opportunities the project may bring but worry that it could cost them their land and livelihoods, according to members of a leading activist group. The residents expressed their concerns during a series of briefings held by the 88 Generation Students Group, which has been touring the Dawei region since May 15. Their trip is expected to end on Saturday. Dawei—also known as Tavoy—is the the site of a US $50 billion deep-sea port and industrial complex that will be built by Italian-Thai Development Plc (ITD), Thailand?s biggest construction company. Pyone Cho, a leading member of the 88 Generation Students Group, told The Irrawaddy on Friday that many local residents came to meet them when they held public briefings about peace and the emergence of an open society in every village they visited. The villagers also spoke out frankly about the difficulties they are facing—especially their concerns about the planned construction of a special economic zone near Dawei. ?The common problem they are facing now is land confiscation. They said they accept the development, but they also fear that they will lose their living and rights to property,” said Pyone Cho..."