An eight-member Chinese delegation, traveling the old silk route to Bangladesh, is waiting on the China-Burma border to enter while Burmese officials stall over giving them permission.

The group started their journey in Kunming, Yunnan province and plan to arrive in Bangladesh in an attempt to revive the ancient silk route that was once linked with the Grand Trunk Road connecting New Delhi, India with Ankara, Turkey.

It is unclear why Burmese authorities are continuing to hold up the group and authorities in Bangladesh have been forced to delay the delegates’ accommodation arrangements.

“We are still hopeful for the arrival of the delegation in the country through Burma,” a source from Bangladesh’s private sector, who is closed to the Silk Route initiative said.

The group are said to be exploring the possibilities for the use of existing roads along the route to enhance trade and tourism among Bangladesh, Burma and China.

The delegation, comprising government officials, businesspeople, tour operators and academics, has already been set back four days by Burmese officials.

In the past few years there has been widespread discussion over the possibilities for the use of the old silk route and the delegation’s trip is likely to be seen as a sign that China is getting serious about the idea.

Communications between Chinese and Bangladeshi authorities show the delegates will travel through Burma and into Chittagong in Bangladesh before heading for Benapole.