The Bangladesh government has renewed its proposal to import natural gas from Myanmar through a pipeline as it seeks to strengthen bilateral energy cooperation amid growing domestic demand for natural gas.
The proposal was discussed during a meeting between Bangladesh's Adviser for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, Iqbal Hassan Mahmood, and Myanmar's Ambassador to Bangladesh, U Kyaw Soe Moe, at the Secretariat, according to a statement issued by the ministry.
During the meeting, Mahmood said Bangladesh's demand for natural gas continues to rise and that the country is interested in securing gas supplies from Myanmar through a cross-border pipeline. He also expressed Bangladesh's interest in reviving an earlier proposal to construct a gas pipeline linking Myanmar with Chattogram.
Responding to the proposal, Ambassador U Kyaw Soe Moe welcomed the discussion and said the two countries could also explore the possibility of supplying natural gas to Bangladesh in the form of liquefied natural gas (LNG), in addition to pipeline exports.
The two sides also discussed arranging a meeting between their respective energy ministers to advance bilateral cooperation. Mahmood said Bangladesh would formally invite Myanmar's energy minister to visit the country and that he was also prepared to travel to Myanmar if necessary.
According to the ministry's statement, Bangladesh's domestic natural gas production has continued to decline, increasing the country's dependence on imported LNG to meet the needs of power generation, industries and other sectors.
Referring to the proposed China–Myanmar–Bangladesh Economic Corridor discussed during Interim Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's recent visit to China, Mahmood said a gas pipeline connecting Bangladesh and Myanmar could contribute to broader regional connectivity and development.
The two sides also exchanged views on expanding long-term cooperation in trade and energy, as well as other areas of mutual interest. They agreed that these issues could be further discussed through meetings of the Bangladesh–Myanmar Joint Technical Committee.
Ref/Photo: The Daily Star.
