Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus has emphasized the need for establishing a new economic zone involving Bangladesh, India, Nepal, and Bhutan to boost regional trade and economic cooperation.
Speaking at an event hosted by the Bangladesh Administrative Service Association (BASA) in Dhaka, Prof. Yunus highlighted Bangladesh’s strategic location between two economic giants, India and China. He stressed that accelerating the economic zone’s development would enhance regional connectivity and trade.
He pointed out that Nepal has significant hydropower potential and is eager to export electricity, which Bangladesh is willing to purchase. However, Indian land access remains a challenge, though Prof. Yunus expressed hope that India would permit transit for mutual economic benefits.
Chief adviser also emphasized the untapped potential of Bangladesh’s coastline, suggesting that a series of marine ports from Cumilla to Teknaf and a deep seaport in Matarbari could transform the nation into a global trade hub. If foreign ships could utilize these ports, Bangladesh’s economic growth would accelerate.
Prof. Yunus noted that Nepal and Bhutan, as landlocked countries, and India’s northeastern states, which lack seaports, would greatly benefit from the proposed economic zone. He stressed that direct trade routes could significantly enhance commerce among the nations.
Despite the existence of a South Asian economic zone, it has yet to be fully operational. Prof. Yunus urged for collaborative efforts to unlock the region’s vast trade potential, stating that Bangladesh is well-positioned to lead this initiative.
Comment here