Bangladesh has proposed importing natural gas from Myanmar through a cross-border pipeline as part of efforts to strengthen bilateral energy cooperation and meet the country's growing demand for fuel.
Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Iqbal Hasan Mahmud made this offer and discussed it during a meeting with Myanmar's Ambassador to Bangladesh Kyaw Soe Moe at the Energy Ministry in Bangladesh Secretariat on Sunday.
According to a press release of the Power and Energy Ministry, during the meeting, the Power and Energy Minister said is keen to explore the possibility of importing gas from Myanmar through a pipeline to meet Bangladesh growing gas demand. In response, the Myanmar ambassador welcomed the proposal and also expressed interest in exploring the supply of liquefied natural gas (LNG) to Bangladesh. The Bangladeshi side responded positively to the suggestion.
The two sides also discussed reviving an earlier proposal to construct a gas pipeline connecting Myanmar with Chattogram, with both countries expressing interest in bringing the initiative back to the negotiating table.
To accelerate bilateral cooperation in the energy sector, Mahmud proposed a ministerial-level meeting between the relevant authorities of the two countries. He said Bangladesh would formally invite Myanmar's energy minister to visit Dhaka and also expressed his willingness to visit Myanmar if necessary to advance the discussions.
Recalling Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's recent visit to China, the adviser noted that a China–Myanmar–Bangladesh Economic Corridor had been proposed during the trip. He said a cross-border gas pipeline between Bangladesh and Myanmar could complement such regional connectivity initiatives.
The meeting also focused on strengthening long-term trade relations and expanding energy cooperation between the two neighboring countries. Mahmud said there are considerable opportunities for collaboration and reaffirmed the Bangladeshi government's commitment to enhancing bilateral ties under its "Neighbourhood First" approach.
Myanmar's ambassador suggested that the Bangladesh–Myanmar Joint Technical Committee hold discussions to examine the proposal in greater detail.
Also present at the meeting were State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Anindya Islam Amit, Energy Secretary Mohammad Saiful Islam, and Power Secretary Mirana Mahroukh.
