India has warmed to the idea of the BCIM (Bangladesh-China-India-Myanmar) corridor that could prove to be a game-changer in regional linkages among the four countries.
The BCIM corridor, long promoted by China, is intended to link Kunming to Kolkata, Mandalay (Myanmar), Dhaka and Chittagong. It is intended to advance multi-modal connectivity, harness economic complementarities, promote investment and trade and facilitate people-to-people contacts.
A study group report on the corridor is expected by 2014-end, an official familiar with BCIM developments told The Hindu ahead of meetings between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Upwards of $10 billion is expected in private investment from China to India during Mr. Xi’s visit. Currently, Chinese investment in India stands at a paltry $400 million.
