Myanmar wants its fence with Bangaldesh fortified and extended, and China says it’s happy to comply. The China–ASEAN Economic and Cultural Association has offered to renovate the fence that separates Rakhine State and from Bangladesh.
The association, partnering with local firm Hinthar Akari Co, discussed the proposal with Rakhine State ministers and government officials on November 7. They also met with Rakhine Hluttaw Speaker San Kyaw Hla, the Daily Star reported, but a planned hearing with the Rakhine State Chief Minister U Nyi Pu did not come to fruition.
“We plan to provide international-standard security systems and technology…for the border fence issue,” said Daw New New Aye, Hinthar Akari Co. managing director.
Myanmar has long wanted to complete the fencing of the last 40-miles of its 170-mile, contentious shared border with Bangladesh, but has lacked the funds. The divide resurfaced as a hot-button issue again in August, when attacks by an insurgent group prompted a crackdown. Over 600,000 refugees fled to Bangladesh, while a smaller number were domestically displaced by the violence.
The line between the two countries has also long served as a pipeline for illicit good and drugs, which both sides have pledged to try and root out.
Rakhine State Minister of Planning, Finance, Tax and Economy U Kyaw Aye Thein emphasized that before green lighting any plans with China, the international border arrangement would require consent from the Union government. The Chinese-led association is planning to meet with Union officials in Nay Pyi Taw on November 14 to discuss development support projects in addition to the border fence.
