ADB transport and energy proposal

The proposal is a visionary one that foresees greater regional and sub-regional cooperation and coordination as central to the orderly development of the region as a whole. There can be no doubt that efforts along the lines spelled out by the ADB would be of incalculable benefit to the region, and that the gains to be made in the transport and energy sectors could have a catalytic impact on the general health and wealth of the region.

The idea of putting Bangladesh at the centre of such a network is both a pragmatic one and also one that could work greatly to our advantage. It is pragmatic because it makes practical use of our unique geographical location. Bangladesh is ideally positioned to be the hub that joins together projects that encompass Bhutan, Nepal, Myanmar, southern China, and eastern and north-eastern India.

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Our geography is not something we have made the most of in the past, but this proposal shows the way forward. The spin-off benefits to Bangladesh that include greater outside funding for development of our own infrastructure, and integration of our transport and energy sectors with that of the sub-region, thus enhancing our importance regionally, are all factors that will work to the country's advantage.

Of course there are stumbling blocks. Key infrastructure needs to be developed, and the ADB has signaled its willingness to assist in this development. Transit rights need to be agreed to among the relevant countries, but this is something that can be addressed either at the regional, sub-regional, or bilateral level. In fact, such discussions are right now rather bogged down and perhaps the ADB proposal can give talks on this issue some impetus.

Bangladesh needs to maximize use of its unique geographical position. The ADB proposal to transform us into a regional transport and energy hub contemplates this, and should thus be not only welcomed by the government, but facilitated. Transforming Bangladesh into a regional transport and energy hub is in the country's national interest.