Bangladesh_ ASEAN nations\` connectivity projects to boost Indian economy

India has undertaken several connectivity projects with Bangladesh and ASEAN nations_ which will open up the possibility of linking eastern states of India with Thailand_ Cambodia_ and Vietnam and will boost the economy of eastern India_ former Indian Ambassador to Bangladesh Riva Ganguly said recently.

Riva Ganguly who is now serving as Secretary (East) Ministry of External Affairs of India said_ work on connectivity projects (international road_ rail and waterway) is moving at a fast pace and within the next 3-4 years_ when these are completed_ trade in the region (eastern India) can be expected to boom.

In an interaction with PTI on Sunday she said_ work on the India-Myanmar-Thailand trilateral highway is underway. The planned eastward extension of the road to Cambodia_ Laos and Vietnam is expected to bring overall development to the entire region. This project will accelerate the economy of Northeast and West Bengal.

Bangladesh also expressed its interest to join the 1_360 kilometer long highway project that will connect Thailand with India via Myanmar.

The Indian diplomat said_ India would be able to use Bangladesh's Mongla and Chittagong ports for shipments of goods. They are also trying to persuade Bangladesh to channelize some of its exports through Indian ports instead of Malaysia or Singapore.

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is focused on restoring railway links which had existed with India before 1965 (India-Pakistan war) and also building newer connectivity projects_ she added. She said that the potential of goods trends in bilateral trade was realized during the pandemic.