PM lauds Chinese policy for regional connectivity
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday appreciated the Chinese policy for good connectivity in the region, saying it would strengthen economic cooperation among all neighbours.
Terming Bangladesh-China-India-Myanmar Economic Corridor (BCIM-EC) as a very encouraging development, she said, "Once implemented, it would bring our two peoples closer and help stimulate greater cooperation between our two countries in all spheres of our bilateral relations."
The prime minister was addressing the opening ceremony of Second China-South Asia Exposition at Kunming International Convention and Exposition Centre in China's southwest Yunnun province.
Prime Minister of Nepal Shushil Koirala, Vice-Premier of China Wang Yang, Vice President of the Maldives Mihamed Jameel Ahmed, Vice-Prime Minister of Lao PDR Somsavat Lengsavad, Deputy Speaker of Sri Lanka Chandrima Weerakkodi and Secretary General of Saarc Arjun Bahadur Thapa also spoke on the occasion.
The Bangladesh premier arrived in Kunming yesterday morning on a six-day official visit to China.
Sheikh Hasina said, "Our goal is a prosperous region...with China well placed to harmonise our progress to prosperity, as our cooperation and development partner." It is encouraging that all countries in this region are showing keen interest in fostering this profit sharing cooperation, she said.
For centuries, she said, Bangladesh and Yunnan Province of China have been connected by the Southwestern Silk Route. "Today, direct flights connect Dhaka and Kunming," she said, adding that there was now a growing demand that the connectivity be strengthened by road and railway links.
Hasina said the strategic location of Bangladesh between the Asean and the Saarc held huge potentials for itself and for the two economic blocs. "With a market of 160 million people...Bangladesh stands on the threshold to become an economic powerhouse in the region."
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