Dhaka weighs Beijing's proposal of economic corridor through Myanmar

Bangladesh is evaluating China's proposal to establish an economic corridor through Myanmar and has not yet taken any position on the initiative, Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman said today (27 June).

Speaking at a press briefing at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Dhaka on Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's visits to Malaysia and China, Khalilur said, "The primary objective is to improve regional connectivity, reduce transportation costs and transit time, and enhance Bangladesh's competitiveness." 

Better connectivity is expected to support industrialisation, boost exports, and strengthen Bangladesh's economic integration with regional markets, he added.

China formally proposed the development of the Bangladesh-Myanmar-China economic corridor during talks between Chinese President Xi Jinping and PM Tarique in Beijing on Friday. 

The prime minister returned home from Beijing on Friday, wrapping up his six-day maiden overseas visit.

Bangladesh and China on Friday unveiled an extensive joint communiqué during PM Tarique's visit to Beijing, announcing an upgraded bilateral partnership alongside agreements spanning trade, infrastructure, defence, connectivity and regional cooperation.

Among the key outcomes are China's support for the Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration Project, backing for Bangladesh's aspirations to participate in BRICS as well as become a partner of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, plans for new strategic dialogue mechanisms and commitments to deepen cooperation in investment, ports, education and climate action.

During the press conference, the foreign minister said the two countries also discussed strengthening regional connectivity through multimodal transport links connecting Kunming with Bangladeshi ports.

In response to the question regarding what tangible gains Bangladesh achieved from the China visit, the foreign minister said, "We did not go with a begging bowl. This visit was meant to set the direction of the relationship between the two countries. If this is aligned, the rest will follow in the future."

Replying to another question, Khalilur said, "If Bangladesh can utilise Myanmar's existing ports and transport infrastructure, it would significantly reduce the time and cost of importing raw materials and transporting goods."

He continued, "Faster and cheaper logistics would improve Bangladesh's competitiveness, attract greater foreign investment, and make its manufacturing sector more efficient and export-oriented."

Responding to a question, he said the current discussions are focused solely on economic connectivity. "If peace and stability return to Myanmar's Rakhine State in the future, other forms of connectivity could be considered, but that is not part of the current proposal."

At a separate event in Sylhet today, Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir said Bangladesh can transport goods to China within 24 hours by road if it becomes part of the economic corridor.

A total of 17 memoranda of understanding (MoUs) were signed during the PM Tarique's visit to China.

Bangladesh-China ties reach highest level

The foreign minister said Bangladesh and China had agreed to elevate their bilateral ties to the highest level of cooperation.

"The relationship has been upgraded from a 'Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership' to a 'China-Bangladesh Community with a Shared Future' in the new era, opening a new chapter in bilateral cooperation. The new framework is expected to strengthen political trust, deepen economic cooperation, and reinforce long-term strategic collaboration between the two countries," he said.

"China does not maintain the highest level of bilateral relations with all countries. In Asia, only a handful of countries, including Thailand, Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Pakistan and Indonesia, enjoy such a partnership with China. Bangladesh has now joined that group," he added.

Khalilur said the most significant outcome of the visit was the substantial enhancement of the depth, breadth and quality of Bangladesh-China relations. The two sides also agreed to explore the establishment of a regular "2+2 Dialogue" involving their foreign and defence authorities.

Joint feasibility study on Teesta

The foreign minister said discussions on the Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration Project had advanced significantly.

"For the first time, experts from Bangladesh and China will undertake a joint technical feasibility study. China has indicated that it is prepared to support the project's implementation if the feasibility study demonstrates that it is technically and economically viable," he said.

Asked about the project timeline, Khalilur said it was too early to provide a specific timeframe, as implementation would depend on the findings of the feasibility study.

On the Rohingya issue, he said, "China has pledged to work with both Bangladesh and Myanmar to help expedite efforts to resolve the Rohingya crisis and advance the repatriation process. Discussions among the parties are expected to intensify in the coming months to facilitate progress toward a sustainable solution."