The benefits to accrue from greater bilateral cooperation between the two countries are considerable. The most important of the three MOUs signed has to do with the construction of a direct link-road between the two capital cities to facilitate trade and mobility between the two countries. The other two MOUs signed, on agricultural cooperation and diplomatic status, are significant symbolic measures that indicate the direction bilateral relations are expected to take.

The benefits of the agreed upon link-road between Dhaka and Yangon are readily apparent. Greater cross-border trade and communication can only lower the cost of doing business and help to open up each country's markets to the other, which will in turn expand both economies. In addition, the road link will facilitate mobility between the two countries which will go a long way to fostering cooperation, understanding, and communication on a number of levels. Finally, this agreement can be seen as helping to further cement and facilitate our ties to the rest of the Asean region.

In fact, Bangladesh might stand to gain more from the deal than Myanmar. The prospective bridge over the Naf river between the two countries further underlines the opportunities for investment and technical assistance that are available to us in Myanmar. With greater cooperation on issues of crucial bilateral importance, expanded trade and investment opportunities, and an opening to the rest of Southeast Asia, better ties with Yangon are a no-lose proposition. Let us hope that the MOUs signed are merely the first in a series of cooperative initiatives that have the potential to benefit both countries.