Browse our analysis section for news and articles on topics such as China's Belt and Road Initiative (OBOR), the world's evolving digital infrastructure competition, and the stakes for U.S. policy.
The U.S. has accelerated efforts to sell U.S. military equipment to Bangladesh in a perceived attempt to balance against China's growing economic influence and infrastructure investment in the South Asian country, Nikkei reports.
Bangladesh has described their relationship with China and the Belt & Road Initiative as solely "economic diplomacy," but China's expanding trade and investment in the country also threatens to undermine Indian influence, Nikkei reports.
The Covid-19 pandemic has threatened Bangladesh's record of strong economic growth over the past decade which has caused the government to consider new sources of infrastructure development financing, including foreign remittances and foreign reserves, but the International Monetary Fund has urged caution, Nikkei reports.
Bangladesh is seeking $700 million in emergency financing from the International Monetary Fund in addition to budget support from multilateral banks including the World Bank, the Asian Development Bank, and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, Nikkei reports.
Indian prime minister Narendra Modi heads to Nepal for a meeting of the seven-nation BIMSTEC bloc, where improved trade and connectivity have the potential to help India counter Beijing's massive Belt and Road Initiative, according to the Nikkei Asian Review.
China-led Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank announced that it will invest $3.5 billion this year to India, Bangladesh, Turkey and Egypt for projects aimed at strategically connecting Asia and Africa.
The Shanghai and Shenzhen exchanges bought 450 million shares of Bangladesh's main exchange, beating India's bid. The exchanges allow Chinese investors to access funds for overseas infrastructure projects and strengthen financial cooperation for the BRI, a goal stated by both exchanges.
As part of the push to improve infrastructure connectivity throughout Asia, China will develop a 750-acre logistics park in Bangladesh, adding to the nearly $10 billion Chinese investment in the country.
A special report by Nikkei Asian Review and The Banker which leverages data from the CSIS Reconnecting Asia Project has found that China's Belt and Road initiative holds considerable promise for countries in need of infrastructure investment along its route, however, participation has been hampered by challenges ranging from a lack of participation by local workers and banks to unmanageable debt hangovers.
Reconnecting Asia is tracking developments across a vast landmass that includes 60 percent of the global economy. Every day, new infrastructure projects are announced, some are advanced, and others encounter obstacles. Here is a selection of the top projects to watch in 2018.
Japan has received preferential negotiating rights from the government of Bangladesh to build highways under an exclusive arrangement.
Major Japanese construction consultancy Nippon Koei has won an order for an airport expansion project in Bangladesh, along with four local partners, for $42.1 million. The state project includes the construction of a new terminal for international travelers as well as a new cargo terminal at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka, the capital.
India has agreed to "explore and expand" Japan's role in developing the infrastructure of its Northeastern region bordering China, Myanmar, and Bangladesh as part of their "special strategic and global partnership."
The Japan International Cooperation Agency will provide its largest yen loan to date, equal to an estimated $4.51 billion, for the construction of a port and coal-fired power plant in Bangladesh.
Bangladesh's State Minister for Foreign Affairs joined a number of experts at the International Conference on The Future of Asia Tuesday in calling for greater integration and connectivity among members of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation in order to promote trade and economic growth.
Rising seas and extreme weather events could displace millions of people, creating large refugee flows and disrupting trade. At-risk countries should take a longer view, and the international community should support their efforts.
Violent protests could derail India’s regional connectivity plans for years—a pause that India can’t afford.
It could take decades for OBOR to unfold. But it is a development that is worthy of greater attention from U.S. researchers and policymakers today.