Bangladesh, Myanmar to build first road link

Dhaka, Apr 29: Bangladesh and Myanmar have agreed to build the first road to link the two countries in an effort to boost trade and tourism, the Bangladesh foreign ministry said.

Bangladesh will pay for the construction of the 25 km road connecting Bangladesh's southeastern Gundhum area to Bolibazar in Myanmar. The road will be extended to connect Bangladesh with China and Thailand, a statement said.

There is no road between the neighbours at the moment, although there are two transit points along the 320-km border.

The agreement was signed during a visit to Yangon by foreign affairs adviser Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury, the statement issued yesterday said.

Discussions included simplifying visa procedures for businessmen, cultural exchanges and the fate of thousands of refugees from Myanmar living in Bangladesh, officials said.

Reuters>