Southeast Asia’s trans-regional corridor takes shape
The opening of a new bridge between Thailand and Myanmar has pushed Southeast Asia one step closer to the realization of an East-West Economic Corridor, connecting the South China Sea to the Indian Ocean.
The corridor, which passes through Vietnam, Laos, Thailand and Myanmar, is set to reshape the supply chains of the Mekong region, which also includes Cambodia, giving it access to the vast Indian market.
The new trade route will perhaps also alleviate some of the region’s economic dependence on China.
The second Thai-Myanmar Friendship Bridge, which connects Myawaddy, a city in the eastern region of Myanmar, and the Mae Sot district of Thailand’s western region, was officially open to traffic late October. The bridge was built at a cost of about $140 million, according to the Thai government.
Yuichi Nitta
