Bangladesh has proposed importing natural gas from Myanmar through a pipeline as part of efforts to strengthen bilateral energy cooperation with its neighbouring country.

Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Iqbal Hassan Mahmood conveyed the government's interest when Myanmar Ambassador to Bangladesh U Kyaw Soe Moe called on him at his office at the Secretariat today.

During the meeting, the minister said Bangladesh has substantial domestic demand for natural gas and expressed the country's keen interest in importing gas from Myanmar through a pipeline to help meet that demand.

In response, the Myanmar ambassador welcomed the proposal positively and said the possibility of supplying gas in the form of liquefied natural gas (LNG) could also be discussed in detail.

The energy minister also responded positively to the proposal. During the meeting, both sides expressed interest in reviving discussions on the previous proposal to construct a pipeline from Myanmar to Chattogram.

To accelerate bilateral discussions in the energy sector, the minister proposed a meeting between the respective energy ministers of the two countries.

He said he would formally invite Myanmar's energy minister to visit Bangladesh and also expressed his own interest in visiting Myanmar, if necessary.

Recalling Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's recent visit to China, the minister said a proposal had been made for a China-Myanmar-Bangladesh corridor. 

In this context, he said, the establishment of a pipeline between Bangladesh and Myanmar could play a supportive role.

The two sides also discussed strengthening long-term trade relations and expanding energy cooperation between Bangladesh and Myanmar.

The minister said there are many potential areas for cooperation between the two countries. Referring to the "Neighbour First" policy, he conveyed Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's sincere commitment to enhancing bilateral relations.

The Myanmar ambassador said the existing Bangladesh-Myanmar Joint Technical Committee could convene a fresh meeting to review the proposal.

State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Aninda Islam Amit, Energy Secretary Mohammad Saiful Islam and Power Secretary Mirana Mahrukh were also present at the meeting.