Unite against trade war

Planning Minister AHM Mustafa Kamal urged all representatives of the participating nations of Indian Ocean Conference to be united against the "trade war", said a statement issued by the planning ministry.

The minister made the call yesterday, the concluding day of two-day Indian Ocean Conference held at Hanoi.

More than 60 countries have participated in the conference organised by Delhi-based think-tank Indian Foundation.

“If you go fast you will have to go alone. But if you look forward to a prosperous future you will have to proceed together,” the minister said.

He recalled the history saying, in 1929, the US adopted a conservative tariff system. As a result, the world trade shrinked by around 66 percent resulting in a global depression. He urged all to remain cautious to avert repetition of such a situation.

At the conference, the minister also urged all participants to put pressure on Myanmar for repatriation of the Rohingyas, who fled their homes in fear of persecution.

All participating countries of the conference should protest the torture on Rohnigyas by Myanmar government, he said.