The government would do well by heeding China’s advice to press on with work on the Bangladesh-China-India-Myanmar (BCIM) Economic Corridor.
We have previously expressed how the BCIM corridor would be a great step forward towards economic development and cooperation between all the nations involved.
For Bangladesh specifically, this corridor can improve our access to markets across Asia, by making use of our natural location between the large and rapidly growing economies of South and East Asia .
An enhanced economic corridor built around improved transport infrastructure and freer trade would open up huge new trade opportunities; the combination of roads, railways, waterways, and air linkages will encourage the easy flow and transport of goods and people.
Just as important, it would enable more inward investment and create or support much-needed jobs. Regional connectivity and cooperation is essential to help give rise to new industrial zones and businesses and to advance our economy further.
It is encouraging to see signs that our government and China are in accord regarding the BCIM project. Apart from being the world’s largest export economy, China is also the second-largest investor in Bangladesh and there is plenty of potential scope to grow this further.
We should ensure that we make the most of this opportunity as it will ultimately be of advantage.
Not only can it help Bangladesh’s economy and people, but it can help build stability and provide new opportunities for people in all the countries of our region.
