Govt to assess Bangladesh- Myanmar- China corridor

Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman said that the government would assess the China’s proposal for Bangladesh-Myanmar-China corridor aimed at linking these countries to drastically reduce trade costs and enhance regional competitiveness Speaking at a press briefing at the Foreign Ministry on Saturday following a high-level visit to Malaysia and China, the Foreign Minister highlighted that the proposed corridor would leverage Myanmar’s ports to create a multi-modal transport network benefitting the entire region.

“The proposed Bangladesh-Myanmar-China corridor is an economic proposition. We have not taken any position yet. We will evaluate it.

The core of the proposal involves connecting Chinese-operated ports in Myanmar, such as Kyaukpyu, with Bangladeshi maritime hubs like Matarbari and Payra,” he said.

“Using smaller vessels to transport goods between these points could bypass longer, more expensive routes,” the Foreign Minister said.

Explaining the logic behind the initiative, Dr Rahman stated, “The main thing is how much we can reduce transport costs and transport time to increase Bangladesh’s competitive capability.”

He further noted that if it currently takes seven days to move goods between certain points, this new connectivity would ensure a faster “time to market”.

“If we can use the route to import raw materials and export goods, costs will drop significantly.

This would drastically recue time and costs, increasing our competitive advantage and inviting more investment,” the Foreign Minister added.

He emphasised that these logistics improvements are essential for industrial growth, noting that industries only thrive when there is a clear cost advantage.

“Various transport corridors exist in Europe and Asia; our goal is fast, low-cost connectivity,” he said.

Beyond connectivity, the Foreign Minister revealed a significant breakthrough regarding the Teesta River management project.

For the first time, both Bangladesh and China have agreed to a “technical feasibility” study conducted by experts from both nations.

China has pledged to provide as much assistance as possible if the feasibility study justifies the project.

On the Rohingya issue, Dr Rahman reported that China has committed to assisting both Bangladesh and Myanmar to find a swift resolution.

He acknowledged the complexity of the situation, noting that there are now three primary parties involved: the Myanmar government, the armed groups currently controlling key territories, and Bangladesh alongside the sheltered Rohingya population.

He also revealed that China has committed to acting as a mediator between Bangladesh, Myanmar.

“With the current government’s strength and public support, I believe, we will find a path to a solution. Remember, the BNP government solved it twice before, and we will solve it as well,” he stated.

About the China visit, the Foreign Minister characterised the recent diplomatic engagements as a shift to a higher level of partnership.

A key outcome of the Beijing visit was the elevation of Bangladesh-China relations from a “Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership” to a “China-Bangladesh Community with a Shared Future”, a status Khalilur Rahman described as the highest level of bilateral relationship China maintains with its “closest partners”.

“This represents a major diplomatic advancement for Bangladesh and reflects the depth of mutual trust between the two countries,” he said.

Addressing questions regarding the significance of the visit compared to previous ones, Dr Rahman highlighted the long-term vision of the current administration.

While previous visits might have focused on shorter time horizons, this engagement looks five years ahead.

He attributed the success of the mission to the “personal charisma and commitment of the leadership, describing the Prime Minister as a “man of integrity” who stands firmly for the interests of the people.

“China will stand by Bangladesh under any circumstances,” Dr Rahman said.
The adviser also pointed to Chinese recognition of Bangladesh as a model of friendship and cooperation, saying President Xi devoted considerable time to discussions with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman during their meeting.

Talking about diplomatic shift, he said that the visit also paved the way for new diplomatic mechanisms, including regular foreign secretary-level meetings and the potential for “2+2” ministerial dialogue covering foreign policy and security cooperation.

The foreign minister attributed these achievements to the ‘personal chemistry’ between the Prime Minister and Chinese leadership, backed by the stability of a two-third majority government.

The press briefing was attended, among others, by State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Isalm, Prime Minister’s Foreign Affairs Adviser Humaiun Kobir, Executive Chairman of the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun and Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam.