Bangladesh and China Keen to Construct Tri-Nation Road and Rail Link Via Burma

Dhaka: The issue of proposed road and rail links between Bangladesh and China via Burma was discussed by the visiting governor of Yunnan Province, Qin Guangrong, and Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at the Prime Minister's office in Dhaka on Sunday morning.

The two leaders discussed the issue when Governor Qin Guangrong paid a courtesy call on Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

Bangladesh Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad briefed media after the meeting, reporting that China is keen to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with Bangladesh regarding road and rail communications between the two countries.

"China will provide support to Bangladesh to increase the tri-nation road connectivity involving Burma," he said, quoting Governor of Yunnan Qin Guangrong.

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina intends for tri-nation road and rail connectivity to promote trade and business between Bangladesh and China.

During the meeting, Qin explained to the PM that the Chinese government will extend all necessary cooperation to establish the 170-kilometer highway to connect Bangladesh, Burma, and China.

In reply, the Prime Minister said that the proposed highway connecting Chittagong with Burma and Kunming would play a vital role in increasing bilateral trade and commerce.

During the meeting, the two leaders also discussed several other bilateral issues, including agriculture, education, civil aviation, tourism, and power and energy.

Bangladesh has been approaching the Burmese military government to construct the tri-nation road and rail link from Bangladesh to China for decades.

Burma has expressed a willingness to construct the tri-nation road link but has yet to implement any part of the plan. Because of this, Bangladesh is seeking China's help to pressure Burma to implement the road and rail link projects.

Narinjara