Chinese Consul-General in Kolkata Ma Zhanwu on Wednesday said China is keen to build a high-speed train service between Kunming and Kolkata via Bangladesh and Myanmar.

“To increase the possibilities of trade and economic developments in China, Eastern India, Myanmar and Bangladesh, I think with joint efforts of India-China, a high-speed train service could be established between the two cities,” Zhanwu said at a conference in Kolkata.

He said that if it could be done, then it will only take a few hours to reach Kolkata from Kunming through train.

The project had also found mention at the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) meet in Kunming in 2015, he said.

“This will also help all the connected countries to grow economically. We may have industries along the route which will increases the possibility of economic development in the Bangladesh-China-India-Myanmar (BCIM) corridor,” Zhanwu added.

Speaking about the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), he said, “BRI is not something to conquer the world or its neighborhood. It is a project which will benefit all.”

The rail route aimed at boosting trade flow in the Bangladesh-China-India-Myanmar (BCIM) corridor, Zhanwu said, adding that his country has been striving for the revival of Silk Route to increase connectivity from Kunming to Kolkata.

Inputs from News 18

BDST: 1008 HRS, SEPT 13, 2018
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