CPD Working Paper 109
Recent Developments in Myanmar and New Opportunities for Sub-Regional Cooperation
A Bangladesh Perspective
The paper analyses the potential opportunities between Bangladesh and Myanmar stemming from sub-regional cooperation. With the election of a new quasi-civilian government in 2011, doors have opened for the international community to make the most of Myanmar’s untapped resources.
The paper examines Myanmar’s integration into the regional and global economy together with modalities and trends of Bangladesh-Myanmar relations. Opportunities and challenges have been discussed in the areas of trade, investment (together with business set up at special economic zones), agricultural cooperation (with contract farming prospects), energy collaboration, transport connectivity and the role of political and non-state actors.
The Asian giants, China and India, have vested interests in Bangladesh-Myanmar cooperation, as the latter can serve as a bridge between South and Southeast Asia. Hence, Bangladesh and Myanmar should earnestly consider their sub-regional association, allowing them to progress together and consequently, further.
Contributors: Debapriya Bhattacharya and Mashfique Ibne Akbar
Publication Period: September 2014