diplomatic roadshow Bangladesh and Myanmar recently signed a deal to construct the first major road between the two countries. The 25-km road is part of an Asian super highway to boost bilateral trade. It is hoped it will eventually connect India, Thailand and China. In another development, India plans to start a direct bus service between India and Myanmar. The bus service, which is part of the proposed Trans-Asia Highway and Trans-Asian Rail link, would take Myanmarese traders and tourists from Mandalay only 12 hours to reach the Indian border town. A bus service with China, a ferry service with Sri Lanka and a rail link with Bhutan is also in the pipeline.
cancer cures distrust Pakistan is importing low cost anti-cancer drugs from India as they are priced low in the international market.Pakistan's health ministry has allowed two pharmaceutical companies--Atco Pharma and A J Mirza Pharma--to import 45 products of anti-cancer drugs from the Indian company Dabur Pharma. The country also imports anti-cancer drugs from the US, the UK, Germany, Austria and France. Traders complain that the price structure of anti-cancer drugs is irrational and discriminatory for the Pakistani market. Trade associations have asked the government to negotiate with Dabur to register the medicines in accordance with the international market.
energy insecurity Sri Lankan oil companies have announced an increase of 17 per cent in petrol prices after the government decided it could not soak the burden of rising crude oil prices. A litre of petrol will now cost SLR 117 (about Rs 42). In April, diesel prices were also increased to around SLR75 (about Rs 27). The only subsidy afforded was to fisherfolk who operate their boats on diesel. Sri Lanka's fuel bill climbed up to around US $2.2 billion last year from US $1.6 billion in 2005. All of Sri Lanka's energy needs are met through imports, except those sourced from hydro power. Therefore, the burden on the economy is high.
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