Respuesta :

When the exploration of the world was very new, people wanted to find new ways to get to Asia to trade for goods. Most people claimed these ways by water, so people sought out new ones. People wanted an easier way to get to Asia. Today, it could make trade/ imports and exports simpler to come in and out of the country. 

I hope this helped you!

Brainliest answer is always appreciated!  
I think that there was such an interest because of the new short trade routes that would be opened to to the canal connecting. Also just travel wise it would make things shorter and easier to access.