Buy natural gas from Myanmar
In the recent days we have been seeing reports appearing in both print and electronic media that we have enough natural gas that will last till the year 2020, if no new gas fields are discovered. If our gas situation is so acute then we should actively consider purchase of natural gas from Myanmar, our next-door neighbour. Myanmar is selling gas to China, India and Thailand. As our consumption of natural gas is going to increase substantially in the coming years, I feel it will be prudent for our government to sign an agreement with Myanmar for purchase of gas from them on a long-term basis. In case we ourselves strike large deposits of gas then we could sell part of our own gas to India or any other third country or liquefy and export as LNG. So signing of a gas purchase agreement with Myanmar will be a very good decision in the long run, whether or not we strike gas. This opportunity of buying gas from Myanmar will not remain open for an indefinite period. We have to grab this opportunity now or we will miss the boat and will have to regret later. This purchase agreement has to be transparent.
This Myanmar gas could be the fuel for the development of a "special economic zone" in the southern half of Cox's Bazar district.
Our planners must look at these possibilities, particularly development of "special economic zone" at Cox's Bazar. If this happens we will be able to attract a lot of foreign investment needed for rapid development of our country.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel.