Myanmar working with Bangladesh to resume cross-border trade, sea links: Envoy
Ambassador Kyaw Soe Moe says efforts underway to restore shipping between Chattogram and Yangon, Sittwe
Myanmar is working with Bangladesh to resume cross-border trade and restore maritime connectivity between Chattogram and the ports of Yangon and Sittwe, Myanmar Ambassador to Bangladesh Kyaw Soe Moe said today (23 September).
"We are working with the Bangladesh government to resume cross-border trade and maritime connectivity," he said at a meeting with leaders of the Chattogram Chamber of Commerce and Industry at the World Trade Centre in Chattogram, according to a press release.
The ambassador said the two countries could expand bilateral trade in products such as rice, ginger, rubber and fish from Myanmar, while Bangladesh could export pharmaceuticals, chemicals and readymade garments to Myanmar.
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He said initiatives were also underway to launch direct flights between Yangon and Dhaka and Chattogram.
Myanmar is developing an LNG hub with Russian assistance and has also undertaken hydropower projects, Kyaw Soe Moe said.
Given Bangladesh's energy needs, stronger bilateral trade could create opportunities for the country to import LNG and electricity from Myanmar, he added.
The envoy also referred to the proposed Bangladesh-Myanmar-China economic corridor, saying improved connectivity could further strengthen economic ties between the countries.
He stressed that stronger government-to-government and business-to-business engagement would be needed to turn bilateral relations into sustainable economic cooperation.
Chamber seeks stronger business ties
Chattogram Chamber President Mohammad Amirul Haque said businesses in both countries should strengthen their relationships to expand trade and investment.
"Given Myanmar's geographical proximity to Chattogram, there is no alternative to strengthening coastal shipping, road connectivity and direct flights between the two countries," he said.
Haque said Chattogram had the potential to emerge as a regional investment and business hub, with its port and airport serving as important maritime and aviation gateways.
He said the government's planned major project for Chattogram airport could help strengthen flight connectivity with Yangon and other regional destinations.
The chamber president also said implementation of the proposed Bangladesh-Myanmar-China economic corridor could expand bilateral and regional trade.
Other speakers called for measures to ease visa complications, sign a maritime protocol and resolve currency and payment-related difficulties to facilitate trade and investment.
They said greater trust, open communication and cooperation could create new commercial and investment opportunities between the two countries.
The meeting was attended by former chamber president Engineer Ali Ahmed, former senior vice president MA Salam, former director SM Abu Tayeb, Myanmar Embassy Counsellor Htet Myat Lwin, Honorary Consul General of Myanmar AHM Hakim Ali, chamber directors Aman Ullah Al Sagir (Chhuttu), Mohammad Akhtar Parvez, Engineer Md Golam Sarwar and others.
Representatives of the Chattogram Stock Exchange, shipping and marine companies, the Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry and local business groups also attended the meeting.
