BD eyes gas import from Myanmar via pipeline

Bangladesh has proposed importing gas from Myanmar through a pipeline. As a close neighboring country, Bangladesh is prioritizing the enhancement of energy cooperation with Myanmar.

Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Iqbal Hasan Mahmud expressed this governmental intent during a meeting with Myanmar's Ambassador to Bangladesh U Kyaw Soe Moe, at his office in the Secretariat on Sunday morning. During the meeting, the Minister for Power and Energy noted that there is a significant demand for natural gas within Bangladesh. To meet this demand, Bangladesh is particularly interested in procuring energy from Myanmar via pipeline. 

In response, the Myanmar Ambassador positively received the proposal and also mentioned the possibility of discussing in detail the potential for supplying gas as LNG as well. The Energy Minister also gave a positive response to this proposal.

During the meeting, interest was expressed in bringing up past proposals for constructing a pipeline from Myanmar to Bangladesh's Chattogram for renewed discussion.

To accelerate these bilateral discussions in the energy sector, Power and Energy Minister Iqbal Hasan Mahmud proposed holding a meeting at the ministerial level between the two countries. On this occasion, he stated that he would extend a formal invitation to Myanmar's Energy Minister to visit Bangladesh, and also expressed his own particular interest in visiting Myanmar if necessary.

Recalling Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's recent visit to China, the Minister mentioned that a proposal for a China-Myanmar-Bangladesh corridor had been put forward. In this context, the establishment of a pipeline between the two countries could play a supportive role.

Discussions also covered enhancing long-term commercial relations and increasing energy cooperation with Myanmar. The Energy Minister stated that many potential areas of cooperation could be explored between Bangladesh and Myanmar. He informed the meeting of the sincere goodwill of the Prime Minister, Tarique Rahman, in strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries under the 'Neighbours First' consideration.

The Myanmar Ambassador informed that this matter could be reviewed through a meeting of the Bangladesh-Myanmar Joint Technical Committee. The meeting was also attended by State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Anindya Islam Amit, Energy Secretary Mohammad Saiful Islam, and Power Secretary Mirana Mahrukh.