PM to talk Ctg-Kunming road network during China visit

FE Report

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina during her visit to China would discuss 1,800 kilometres Chittagong-Kunming road and rail network through Myanmar to boost trade, commerce and technical assistance between the two countries.

The prime minister will visit China as its premier Wen Jiabao had invited her to visit the country. She will lead an 18-member delegation on a four-day visit from March 17 to March 21 to discuss Sino-Bangla cooperation.

The Chinese government proposed the Chittagong-Kunming route and Dhaka is favourable to make the route operational as soon as possible, said Foreign Minister Dipu Moni at a press briefing Sunday.

Bangladesh is the gateway between South Asia and Southeast Asia and it will try to reap the maximum benefit of its geographical location under the 'Look East' policy, she said.

"When the route becomes operational, it will increase cooperation in trade and commerce between the countries," the minister said.

"I had a meeting with Myanmar authorities and they are positive about the road network," she added.

India, Bhutan and Nepal are allowed to use Chittagong and Mongla port and if China joins the race, the deep sea port will become viable, the foreign minister said.

"Bangladesh will increase the capacity of Chittagong and Mongla ports and it needs a big client like China which will use the deep sea port to make it viable," she explained.

Dhaka had about $3.5 billion (350 crore) trade deficit with China and it is not a realistic thought to reduce the trade gap by increasing export to China, Dipu Moni said.

"We will ask the Chinese government to invest in Bangladesh; especially they can relocate their labour-intensive industries," she said.

During the visit, the governments will hold discussion in several areas including bilateral economic and commercial relations, communications, power and gas, tourism and culture, she added.

"In the visit Dhaka will sign agreements with Beijing on economic and technical cooperation, Shahjalal Fertiliser Factory framework and seventh Bangladesh-China Friendship Bridge," Dr Dipu said.