Political stability key to boosting economy
Ex-Filipino president Ramos says
Star Business Report
The visiting former president of Philippines, Fidel Valdez Ramos, yesterday said political stability, security, and peace are key to a country's economic development. Ramos also put emphasis on bilateral trade relation to boost economy. Ramos, also chairman of Ramos Peace and Development Foundation, said, "Bangladesh's bilateral trade relations with neighbouring countries should be strengthened to achieve economic goals." He was speaking at a discussion organised by Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) in the capital. Presided over by DCCI President MA Momen, Philippines ambassador to Bangladesh Jose Lino B. Guerrero, International Chamber of Commerce-Bangladesh (ICC-B) President Mahbubur Rahman, and former commerce secretary Sohel Ahmed Chowdhury were also present at the meeting. Ramos said the product lines of South Asian and South East Asia countries are same. So, these countries can promote business under bilateral trade, he added. Terming FTA (Free Trade Agreement) a significant tool in promoting trade, Ramos said private sector participation is needed to get benefits from FTA. "After setting up Asean (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) in 1992, we had to face lots of difficulties to get benefits in doing business under a free trade area," he added. DCCI president urged the Philippines investors to invest in Bangladesh either with 100 percent ownership or in joint ventures.
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The visiting former president of Philippines and chairman of Ramos Peace and Development Foundation, Fidel Valdez Ramos (centre), speaks at a discussion yesterday in Dhaka as DCCI President M A Momen (L) and President of International Chamber of Commerce-Bangladesh (ICC-B) Mahbubur Rahman look on. PHOTO: STAR |
