Progress to be achieved in 3rd BCIM-EC meeting

DHAKA - Chinese Ambassador to Dhaka Ma Mingqiang said on Wednesday the Bangladesh-China-India-Myanmar Economic Corridor (BCIM-EC) will witness a fresh progress through four countries' joint efforts in the 3rd Joint Study Group Meeting, which is scheduled to be held in India in the second half of this year.

"I am quite confident that, with joint efforts of our four countries, fresh progress will be achieved in the 3rd Joint Study Group Meeting," said the diplomat while addressing a discussion session titled "BCIM Economic Corridor: Harmonious South Asia" at CIRDAP auditorium in the city.

"Jointly we can realize our dreams and I believe the BCIM-EC will lead us to a harmonious South Asia and a better tomorrow for all," he said.

The diplomat said four countries, individually might lack potentials in realizing their dreams of having a better life and harmonious community. "But together we might have almost everything that are needed, human and natural resources, goods and market, technology and capital."

Speaking as the chief guest, Commerce Minister Tofail Ahmed said trade volume within the four countries will see a significant rise once the BCIM-EC is implemented.

He said Bangladesh is progressing with continued rise in trade and the BCIM-EC will expedite it further.

The idea of BCIM was first put forward by scholars. For some years, it remained a topic among the academic circles of the four countries.