Restoration of Asian Silk Route
won't help Bangladesh It is a matter of serious concern that a multilateral lending agency, involved in substantial infrastructure development, especially roads and highways, appears to be advocating a certain position regarding the Asian Highway Network, which would not suit the national interests of Bangladesh. According to a report published in New Age on Saturday, a paper of the Asian Development Bank, titled, 'Restoring the Asian Silk Route: Toward an Integrated Asia', points out that Bangladesh stands to gain substantially by reopening the ancient and fabled trade route that accounted for a considerable trade volume in the 13th century.
Although the study, practically conducted by a couple of Indians, fails to project the potential volume of trade that might be generated by restoring this old route, it posits that restoring the route would eventually benefit Bangladesh. A critical look at the study shows that restoration of the Silk Route—which existed over 700 years ago and the dynamics of the region where it existed have changed significantly since— promotes and strengthens the Indian position of linking Bangladesh to the Asian Highway Network through India both on the east and the west. While we have no problem with India to gain certain advantages, we are concerned about the disadvantages that Bangladesh would be exposed to in case of restoration of the Silk route.
Substantial economic gains are among the most compelling reasons for increased connectivity. Increased connectivity expedites and facilitates the potentials for increased trade and thereby increased interaction among the peoples of different regions. We have stated a number of times before in these leaders that increased connectivity among the countries of the subcontinent is imperative for an integrated South Asia. But such integration should come on the back of enhanced trade, increased interaction among the peoples and comprehensive mutual benefits from such interaction and cooperation.
The Asian Highway Network provides such an opportunity for not just South Asia but also the emerging countries of South East Asia with their lucrative markets. Bangladesh should by all means join this highway network and there should not be an iota of doubt that it would be beneficial for Bangladesh. But Bangladesh needs to choose the best option for itself to get connected with the network when three alternative routes are there. Two of the three routes are through India on the east, the Silk Route being one and the third is through Myanmar—which has so far been favoured by Bangladesh, and quite rightly so—in the east connecting both Bhutan and Nepal in Bangladesh's north-west through India. This route has a far greater potential to increase trade volume since these countries are virtually untapped markets for Bangladesh. We believe the only benchmark to decide on a certain route must be on the basis of comparative economic gains, as well as strategic advantages for Bangladesh. The choice of route must be such that it offers Bangladesh substantially better terms of trade through economic advantages and at the same time help preserve its strategic interest. Of the available routes, the one linking the Asian highway through Myanmar on the east ensures both, and therefore Bangladesh should go for that, in case it cannot wrestle out something better.
http://www.newagebd.com/2009/jul/05/edit.html
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