Chinese policy to accelerate economic ties with neighbours: PM
07 June 2014
BSS, Kunming :Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Friday appreciated the Chinese policy for good connectivity in the region, saying that it would accelerate economic cooperation and overall ties among all neighbouring countries.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 here.Prime Minister of Nepal Shushil Koirala, Vice-Premier of China Wang Yang, Vice President of 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 delivered speech on the occasion.The Bangladesh Premier arrived in this southern city of China this morning on the first leg of her six-day visit to China at the invitation of her Chinese counterpart Li Keqiang.Sheikh Hasina said the relationship between China and South Asia is based on mutual respect, commonality of values and cultures, and historical links."Through thousands of years, these factors have continued to strengthen our friendship and our desire to improve the wellbeing of our peoples," she said.She said they can today also help Bangladesh in fighting poverty, terrorism, climate change and other challenges unitedly."Our goal is a prosperous region based on knowledge, education and strong bonds of friendship, with China well placed to harmonize our progress to prosperity, as our cooperation and development partner," she said.Sheikh Hasina said it is encouraging that all countries in this region are showing keen interest in fostering this profit sharing cooperation."The impact on the economic relations between China and the South Asian countries have been remarkable in the growth of economic activities and trade flow both ways," she said.Describing the exposition as an exciting occasion, the Prime Minister said the event has become a popular annual feature in drawing close business relations between South Asia and China.She also expressed her gratitude to wonderful people of the Yunnan Province for the warm hospitality accorded to her and her delegation since arrival in Kunming.Sheikh Hasina said: "The close geographical proximity of Kunming to South Asia has made it the gateway to China for our countries from ancient times. Traders and travelers, through ages and dealings, have transformed Kunming as a centre of business and commerce.""Today, the expo is raising this historical interaction to a new level in our relations with Kunming," she said, adding that it is becoming a catalyst for stimulating trade, investment, tourism and cultural exchanges between China and the countries in the region.Sheikh Hasina said Bangladesh holds China as a good friend and development partner. "Bangladesh lauds China's "Gateway Policy" launched in 2009, where Yunnan has been playing a pioneering role in opening up Southwestern China to South Asia.Since centuries, she said, Bangladesh and Yunnan Province of China through ages were connected by the Southwestern Silk Route. "Today, direct flights connect Dhaka and Kunming," she said.The Prime Minister said there is now a growing demand that the connectivity be strengthened by road and railway links. "The Kolkata-Kunming Car Rally held last year has shown that road connectivity is feasible," she said.Sheikh Hasina said the strategic location of Bangladesh between the ASEAN and the SAARC holds huge potentials for itself and for the two economic blocks. "With a market of 160 million people, 60 percent of which are below the age of 40 years, Bangladesh stands on the threshold to become an economic powerhouse in the region," she said.The Prime Minister said socioeconomic dynamism; attractive investment climate; private sector led economic growth strategy;GDP growth rate of over six percent during the last five years; growing foreign currency reserve; and emerging good connectivity with its neighbours have turned Bangladesh into an economic powerhouse in the region."Our economy is today vibrant and with the help of your great country and friendly neighbours to the East and to the West, our future looks very promising," she said.On behalf of the people and the government of the People's Republic of Bangladesh and on her behalf, the Prime Minister thanked the Chinese government and the People's Government of Yunnan Province for the hosting of the 2nd China-South Asia Expo.She also wished a grand success of the exposition.
