The Asia Development Bank (ADB) noted that Bangladesh is going to become the transport hub of he South Asia and South East Asian region, but a well-planned infrastructure was a precondition to higher economic growth.

The Independent Tuesday quoted Hua Du, country director of the ADB as saying that Bangladesh is going to become the transport hub of the region, a gateway for other countries connecting east and the west, but a well-planned infrastructure is required to use its full potential.

Disclosing her organization's plan, she said ADB would provide one billion US dollars to Bangladesh over the next decade to develop its railway communications. She said improved infrastructure with private sector investment would generate various social welfare activities, leading to a boost in the economic activities of rural areas of the country.

Infrastructure will be the major potential growth center for Bangladesh and will open an economic corridor connecting the eastern gate of Chittagong port with the western gate of Bangla Bandha, Hua said.

The ADB mission chief observed that Bangladesh will be benefit through regional cooperation as it is placed centrally among other South Asian countries.

Due to its geographical location, the country will be the gateway for countries like Nepal, Bhutan, India and Myanmar as these countries in future might use Bangladesh's ports, especially the Bangla Bandha land port and the Chittagong seaport for overseas trade.

The ADB supported a number of projects in the country including Dhaka-Chittagong corridor, chittagong port development project and other infrastructure development programs including water, power and gas supply.

But, Hua expressed her dissatisfaction with the slow pace of implementation of various projects by government agencies.

Source: Xinhua