Myanmar gas pipeline

Even if India in return does not consider the facilities desired by us now, after the gas pipeline starts to benefit them they should have a sense of gratitude during future negotiations. As of now, we should insist on inclusion of a clause of rent (of land to be used by the pipeline) review from time to time.

This consideration comes together with the thought of Tata's proposed investment. The major concern over Tata's appearance is the fast depletion of gas reserves. This may be unfounded as there are other prospective fields, which are yet to be explored. Our gas will always be an attraction for investors. Our asset is the large workforce. The value of this can be assessed from the fact that our 2 main foreign exchange sources are foreign remittance (by workers abroad) and RMG (dependant on manual labour). Employers abroad prefer our semi-skilled workers, as they are hard working, disciplined, intelligent and fast-learners. Employers everywhere will always prefer using the same workforce at the point of origin. I am sure investors will like to set-up urea and other plants in Bangladesh to use Myanmar gas. However, this scenario will be possible if we can induce Tata to invest here without jeopardising our national interest.