Mumbai, Aug. 12 -- Myanmar and Thailand have urged faster progress on the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway Project (Trilateral Highway) and related cross-border infrastructure following a joint statement issued after the visit of Myanmar President U Min Aung Hlaing to Bangkok. The leaders discussed measures to strengthen transport and economic links between the neighbouring countries and set out a shared interest in deeper regional connectivity. The statement framed the initiative as central to enhancing trade and movement across the area.
They reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing connectivity through improved transport and infrastructure linkages and called for the establishment of a Joint Working Group on enhancing connectivity between Myanmar and Thailand. The proposed mechanism was described as a vehicle to coordinate multimodal connectivity plans covering road, maritime, port and cross-border links and to facilitate greater alignment of policies, procedures and regulations. Officials indicated the group would seek to harmonise standards and expedite project planning and implementation.
Among the priorities identified was advancement of the Trilateral Highway, which aims to improve links between South Asia and Southeast Asia and to open new corridors for commerce and investment. The discussions also encompassed promotion of maritime connectivity, improvement of transport corridors and exploration of special economic zones and logistics facilities along the shared border. These measures were presented as means to boost trade, reduce logistics costs and attract greater investment to the region.
The leaders welcomed the reopening of the border checkpoint at the Second Myanmar-Thailand Friendship Bridge linking Myawaddy and Mae Sot and agreed to consider reopening additional border trade posts subject to mutual agreement and the security situation on the ground. They signalled intent to accelerate cooperative work and to pursue practical steps that would translate the strategic vision for regional integration into tangible projects. Continued dialogue was portrayed as essential to maintaining momentum on the highway and associated connectivity initiatives.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Construction World.