ASEAN-INDIA CONNECTIVITY: A MYANMAR PERSPECTIVE

Since the 1990s, Asian economies have been moving towards deeper regional integration to enjoy growth together and to share prosperity. Although size of the economy and level of development in the region are quite diverse, it does not matter to such integration. This integration will not only expand the production possibility frontiers but also promote the flow of ideas and cultural exchanges within the region. Southeast Asia and India have become two of the fastest growing and most dynamic regions in the world. As Asia becomes the engine of growth for the global economy, the ASEAN and India must capitalize on their partnership through enhanced connectivity to reap the benefits most. In this scenario, Myanmar is the only land bridge between ASEAN and India so that the country has a great potential to be an important player in shaping future economic, political and security environment in this region. The connectivity projects will enhance the strategic importance of Myanmar as a regional logistics and trading hub and will be definitely beneficial for Myanmar as well as India and ASEAN, and for the entire region, Asia. To realize the positive outcomes, Myanmar needs to respond to the opportunities offered by its geographical and natural advantages and to capture the competitive advantages brought about by regional and global market chain