Foreign Minister of State Humayun Kabir has said the government views the proposed China‑Myanmar‑Bangladesh economic corridor favourably, signalling openness to a project that could link South and Southeast Asia through Myanmar. Kabir made the remarks during a farewell meeting with Liu Haixing, Minister of the International Department of the Chinese Communist Party, at Shahjalal International Airport after Liu’s departure from Dhaka on Thursday.

Kabir highlighted the corridor’s potential to enhance regional connectivity and to support stability in Myanmar’s Rakhine State, which he described as essential for any eventual repatriation of Rohingya refugees. “A China‑Myanmar‑Bangladesh corridor would create a new link between South Asia and Southeast Asia,” Kabir said, noting that increased economic interaction would likely bring more trade and movement of goods and people. He added that the government believes the initiative could be beneficial and that discussions will continue.

The concept of a trilateral economic corridor is not new. A Bangladesh‑China‑India‑Myanmar (BCIM) corridor was first proposed in the 1990s and gained intergovernmental recognition around 2013. However, geopolitical concerns raised by India regarding China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) caused the BCIM project to stall. More recently, China has been considering an expanded version of its existing China‑Myanmar economic corridor that would directly connect to Bangladesh, bypassing India. This revived proposal is now commonly referred to as the China‑Myanmar‑Bangladesh Economic Corridor.

Under the current plan, the corridor would start from China’s Yunnan Province capital Kunming, pass through Myanmar’s Mandalay region, and extend to the deep‑sea port of Kyaukphyu in Rakhine State. From there, the route would link via road and rail to Bangladesh’s Chittagong and Cox’s Bazar areas. Proponents argue that the project would attract substantial Chinese investment in Bangladeshi ports, special economic zones and transport infrastructure. It would also facilitate easier access for Bangladeshi products to the vast markets of Southeast Asia and China, potentially lowering delivery times and costs. Improved connectivity and logistics hubs are expected to generate employment opportunities across the region.

Kabir linked the corridor’s success to stability in Rakhine, noting that the Rohingya issue remains a critical factor. “Before implementing this, we need to address the Rohingya situation,” he said, emphasising that a stable environment in the state is necessary for any repatriation effort. He added that Bangladesh would engage in dialogue to find a solution.

When asked about possible geopolitical apprehensions, Kabir dismissed them, arguing that a development corridor should not be a source of concern. “It is a development corridor; why would there be any fear? All parties stand to benefit,” he commented.

Liu Haixing’s two‑day visit to Dhaka included a series of official and cultural engagements. He arrived on Tuesday night and departed on Thursday afternoon. On Wednesday, Liu visited the Chinese Embassy in Dhaka, which once served as his father’s workplace, and paid respects at the mausoleums of former President Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia. He also held a courtesy meeting with Prime Minister Tareq Rahman and later attended a luncheon with President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir at Bangabhaban. In the afternoon, Liu toured the National Museum in Shahbagh.

On Thursday morning, Liu, accompanied by Education Minister A. N. M. Ehsanul Hoq Millon, visited Shamsul Haq Khan School and College in Dhaka, where he inspected facilities and inaugurated a smart classroom. Later in the day, Liu met with Foreign Minister of State Humayun Kabir at the state guesthouse Padma. The meeting’s communiqué recalled the long‑standing ties between Bangladesh and China and noted mutual satisfaction with Prime Minister Tareq Rahman’s visit to China in June. Liu also mentioned his father’s tenure as China’s second ambassador to Bangladesh, underscoring his family’s role in strengthening bilateral relations. He reaffirmed the Chinese Communist Party’s commitment to advancing bilateral ties under the theme of a “shared future for humanity in a new era.”

During the talks, Kabir requested China’s continued support for the repatriation of Rohingya refugees to Myanmar. Both sides expressed a desire to elevate the relationship to new heights.

The visit concluded with Liu’s departure from Dhaka, marking the end of a tightly scheduled diplomatic tour that combined policy discussions with cultural and educational outreach.