Bangladesh and Myanmar are working to restore cross-border trade and revive waterway connectivity linking Chattogram with the ports of Yangon and Sittwe, Myanmar’s ambassador to Bangladesh Kyaw Soe Moe said on Wednesday.

Speaking at a meeting with business leaders at the World Trade Centre in Chattogram, the ambassador said both governments were discussing ways to reopen trade routes and strengthen economic links between the neighboring countries.

“Bangladesh is one of Myanmar’s important neighboring countries. The two governments are working to resume cross-border trade and waterway connectivity between Chattogram port and the ports of Yangon and Sittwe,” he said.

According to New Age, the ambassador also said stronger connectivity could open new opportunities for trade and investment, particularly as Bangladesh and Myanmar seek to expand economic cooperation.

He said the proposed Bangladesh-China Economic Corridor, discussed during Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s recent visit to China, could further strengthen economic ties between Bangladesh and Myanmar.

Myanmar also has potential to supply energy to Bangladesh, he said. Russia is assisting Myanmar in developing an LNG hub, while the country is also pursuing hydropower projects.

“As Bangladesh is facing an energy shortage, stronger trade relations between the two countries will enable Bangladesh to import LNG and electricity from Myanmar more easily,” Kyaw Soe Moe said.

He called for greater government-to-government and business-to-business engagement to expand bilateral trade and support sustainable economic development.

Myanmar could increase exports of rice, ginger, rubber, fish and other commodities to Bangladesh, while Bangladeshi businesses could supply pharmaceuticals, chemicals, ready-made garments and other manufactured goods to Myanmar, he said.

The ambassador said discussions were also under way to establish direct air links between Yangon and Dhaka and between Yangon and Chattogram.

Chattogram Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Mohammed Amirul Haque said closer economic ties with Myanmar were important given the country’s proximity to Chattogram and its natural-resource base.

He said coastal shipping, road links and direct air connectivity would be key to expanding bilateral trade.

“Chattogram has emerged as a regional and investment hub,” Amirul Haque said, adding that the city’s geographical position could also help its airport develop into an important aviation hub connecting eastern and western markets.

He said the government’s planned mega project for Chattogram airport could improve connectivity with Yangon and other parts of Myanmar.

Amirul Haque also said a future Bangladesh-Myanmar-China economic corridor could create new opportunities for regional trade and investment, linking businesses in the three countries more closely.

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