The recently concluded visit of the Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao to India has opened up the potential for deeper interaction between the two in terms of trade and commerce among other things, while agreeing on the need to give more time to iron out the border question. It has once again established the predominance of economics over politics.
Clearly, the emphasis was on trade and business, given the more than 400 member business delegation that accompanied the Chinese Premier, although there were several sensitive issues confronting the two, and some of which go back many decades. Reportedly, the two countries have fixed a 100 billion USD trade target by 2015, up from 60 billion in 2010. And to top it, 16 billion USD worth of business deal was penned on the very first day of the visit.
We feel that it is an eminently positive development for the two Asian giants, and which many see as future world powers, to appreciate the very essential truth that in economic cooperation lies the vehicle of progress. It is an acknowledgment of the reality by the two countries that by drawing upon economic strength rather than competing militarily for strategic bonus can both avoid falling into the trap of the security dilemma which may prove counterproductive for both in the long run.
For us in Bangladesh, the China India concord is to be heartily welcomed. Being very close neighbours of the two, and with very special relationship with both, Bangladesh, and indeed the region, can benefit from the improved relationship between China and India. Needless to say, the deeper the cooperation and collaboration in the economic field, the fewer are the chances of confrontation and the more the prospect of peace and harmony. The inevitable spin-off effect would in equal measure affect all the countries of the region, and the world, one hopes.
For Bangladesh, more than any other country, what is important is how we make the most of our position between the two giants, as our Nobel laureate had so prophetically remarked in his speech entitled, "Growing Up Between two Giants," at the 15th anniversary celebrations of this newspaper in 2006. Having two fast growing countries as neighbours is a great boon for us, and if we play our cards right not only will we avoid being stepped upon by the two giant neighbours, we will also be the beneficiary of their growth and development, and indeed can get a ride on the fast train with them.
China-India bilateralism is a classic example of how to put aside contentious issues and exploit each other's trade and business potential for mutual benefits. It is a lesson that the rest of South Asia can and should draw from.