China has proposed the development of an economic corridor connecting Bangladesh, Myanmar and China to enhance regional connectivity, trade and economic cooperation.
The proposal came during talks between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Friday morning, said Prime Minister’ s Office (PMO) Spokesperson Mahdi Amin.
Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Mahdi Amin said the two leaders held detailed discussions on connectivity.
“President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman discussed connectivity in detail. A proposal was made on how an economic corridor could be developed linking Bangladesh, Myanmar and China,” he said.
The PMO spokesperson said the proposed corridor aims to expand Bangladesh’s economy, increase economic transactions and strengthen multimodal transportation across the region.
He also said the initiative could create new opportunities for regional trade, investment and connectivity.
Mahdi Amin, also an adviser to the Prime Minister, said China also expressed interest in further modernising Chattogram Port.
“We want to work on modernising the port and transforming it into a regional hub that will serve not only Bangladesh but also other countries,” he said.
At the same time, China expressed interest in upgrading Mongla Port and making it more progressive and service-oriented, the adviser said. “We discussed these issues during the meeting.”
PT/ra