Myanmar corridor could speed China trade

Bangladesh has signalled interest in joining the China‑Myanmar economic corridor, a move that could slash freight times to China to just 24 hours, according to Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir.

Speaking in Sylhet on Saturday, the minister said road transport through Myanmar would allow Bangladeshi goods to reach China within a day. He stressed that Beijing has already granted duty‑free access to Bangladeshi products, making faster logistics the next priority.

The corridor, part of China’s Belt and Road Initiative, runs through Myanmar to connect Yunnan province with the Indian Ocean. For Bangladesh, participation would mean direct access to this route, bypassing longer maritime journeys and potentially reshaping its trade dynamics.

Muktadir linked the plan to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s recent visit to China, where she met senior leaders and investors. He expressed optimism that Bangladesh would see a surge in Chinese investment, pointing to the cabinet’s approval of an 800‑acre Chinese industrial park in Chattogram as evidence of deepening ties.

While the minister also addressed domestic issues such as online gambling laws and legal training for lawyers, his remarks on Myanmar underscored the strategic importance of the corridor. By joining, Bangladesh could strengthen its role in regional supply chains, reduce costs and enhance competitiveness.

The proposal comes at a time when Myanmar’s own political and economic instability raises questions about the viability of such projects. Yet for Dhaka, the potential benefits of faster access to China appear to outweigh the risks.

If realised, the corridor would mark a significant shift in Bangladesh’s trade landscape, positioning Myanmar as a critical gateway and reinforcing China’s influence across South Asia.

-2026-06-29