Myanmar MP speaks highly of "Belt and Road" initiative

YANGON - A noted Myanmar parliament member said on Wednesday that China's advocation of the concept of "Belt and Road" initiative is a measure which will benefit neighboring countries and bring development to the region as well.

Dr Aye Maung, parliament member of the Upper House and chairman of Arakan National Party (ANP), told Xinhua before his visit to China that the silk road is a road of connectivity, trade and development.

Welcoming the "Belt and Road" initiative known as Silk Road Economic Belt and 21st Century Maritime Silk Road, Aye Maung said the construction of Bangladesh-China-India-Myanmar economic corridor is significant to enhancing the economic link between the four countries and border area development especially that of ethnic minorities.

Touching on China-Myanmar oil and gas pipeline, he said the starting point of the pipeline lies in Rakhine state which not only plays the key role in China's energy security but also benefit both countries, especially the development of Rakhine state.

He stressed that the two countries are continuously making efforts to enhance the friendship between the two peoples with the support of the government and political parties, believing that China's "Belt and Road" initiative will be successful and will promote the development of neighboring countries.

As to China-initiated Asian Infrastructure investment Bank, he said it can not only enhance regional infrastructural construction but also contribute to regional development and stability, hoping that the bank would focus more on the development of ethnic minorities areas.

Emphasizing on maintaining peace and stability of border areas of the two countries, Aye Maung called on the two governments to enhance cooperation in this regard.