China has formally proposed the creation of a Bangladesh–Myanmar–China Economic Corridor (BMC‑EC) during high‑level talks between President Xi Jinping and Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman in Beijing. According to the Bangladeshi Prime Minister’s Office, the proposal was placed during detailed discussions on regional connectivity, trade expansion and long‑term strategic cooperation.
PMO spokesperson Mahdi Amin said the corridor aims to strengthen transport links, boost cross‑border trade and open new avenues for investment across South Asia and Southeast Asia. The plan aligns with China’s broader push to expand economic corridors under its regional connectivity initiatives, while offering Bangladesh new infrastructure and market‑access opportunities.
The talks marked a major milestone in Dhaka–Beijing relations, with the two sides signing 17 Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs). Of these, 13 MoUs were finalised after a bilateral meeting with Chinese Premier Li Qiang, while three additional agreements were signed between the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) and leading Chinese business organisations. The MoUs cover cooperation in infrastructure, energy, digital technology, trade facilitation and investment promotion.
China also expressed interest in modernising Chittagong Port to transform it into a regional business hub serving Bangladesh and neighbouring countries. Discussions included upgrading Mongla Port to enhance efficiency and service capacity. Both sides emphasised strengthening people‑to‑people ties, cultural exchanges and political cooperation, including an MoU between the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP).
Analysts say the proposed corridor could reshape regional connectivity by linking Bangladesh more directly with China through Myanmar, potentially boosting trade flows and infrastructure development. However, the plan may also carry geopolitical implications, particularly for India, which closely monitors China’s expanding footprint in South Asia.