Rediscovering the Southern Silk Route: Integrating Asia’s Transport Infrastructure

This study focuses on the importance of integrating the transport infrastructure of Asia as an essential element in promoting greater economic integration within and between South and East Asia. The study focuses on the transport infrastructure of Bangladesh, North East India, Myanmar, Thailand and Yunnan Province of China. It examines the gaps in the transport network as well as the importance of improved facilitation of transport movements across national borders. The study reviews the broader issue of economic cooperation within Asia and the economic implications of integration of the transport infrastructure into this process. The study emphasises the catalytic effect of such an integrated transport infrastructure for opening up and stimulating the development of the underdeveloped regions of these countries. The study addresses the critical role of Bangladesh at the centre of a regional transport network and the developmental benefits to be derived by its people from exploiting the comparative advantage of Bangladesh's strategic location linking South and South East Asia. The study should be of particular interest to policymakers at the national and regional level in South, Southeast Asia and China, to UN and multilateral institutions working in this region as well as to private entrepreneurs and scholars interested in development and economic cooperation in Asia.