Prime Minister’s International Affairs Adviser Prof Dr Gowher Rizvi on Thursday stressed strengthening regional connectivity, cooperation and integrity among the South and South-West countries for the better progress of the region.
“Poverty and malnourishment is highly prevalent in the region… regional connectivity, cooperation and integrity can bring benefits for the countries,” he said at the concluding session of a two-day policy dialogue at Sonargaon Hotel in the capital, reports UNB.
United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and Pacific (ESCAP) and Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS) jointly organised the dialogue on ‘Strengthening Transport Connectivity among the South and South-West countries’.
Speaking as the chief guest, Gowher Rizvi said transnational connectivity is needed to address the existing problems in the South and South-West countries. “Water, traffic and transit problems, and terrorism could be resolved through consultations.”
About the region’s potential, he said: “Our proximity has given us a better opportunity for enhancing regional trade… we should recognize our self-confidence.”
The PM’s adviser said there is no room for timidity in setting up regional connectivity and strengthening cooperation, and the time has come to take bold steps for setting up regional connectivity.
“Debate about connectivity is over. Now the question is how quickly we will be connected.”
He also emphasized conducting a feasibility study to count the cost of infrastructural set up in the region.
About the stance of the government, Rizvi said Bangladesh is committed to establishing regional and sub-regional connectivity and strengthening cooperation in the region. “We also see cross regional enterprises using Bangladesh-India-Myanmar-China Economic Corridor.”
ESCAP Director (South and South-West) Nagesh Kumar and BIISS Director General Maj Gen Sajjadul Haque also spoke on the occasion.