Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina called for further integration of the economies of Bangladesh and India to consolidate the global and regional value chains cashing on the available synergies.
Her call came on Thursday during a virtual summit with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, reports BSS.
Sheikh Hasina led the Bangladesh delegation from her official Ganabhaban residence here while Modi led the Indian delegation from New Delhi.
“I believe both our countries can move up the global and regional value chains by further integrating our economies taking advantage of available synergies,” she told Modi.
Describing the ongoing connectivity initiatives between the two next-door neighbours as catalysts in this regard, the premier said, “A prime example is the resumption of Chilahati-Haldibari rail link which we will inaugurate today.”
The PM said that relations between Bangladesh and India have embarked on a landmark moment, adding, “Yesterday (Wednesday), Bangladesh celebrated 50 years as an independent nation. Bangladesh and India have also stepped into the 50th year of establishment of diplomatic relations.”
“Further, we are celebrating the 100th birth anniversary of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Just a few months ago, we concluded celebrations of the 150th birth anniversary of your Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi,” the BSS report quoted her saying.
“The crowning glory of our joint commemoration would be your presence in Dhaka for the celebrations on 26th March 2021,” she said.
Sheikh Hasina mentioned that throughout 2020 Bangladesh witnessed a number of initiatives such as trade through rail routes, high level visits and meetings, capacity-building initiatives, the first trial run of Indian cargo from Kolkata to North-East India and of course, cooperation on Covid-19.
Commending Narendra Modi for the manner in which his government has countered the Covid-19 in one of the world’s most affected and populated zones, she said, “Apart from the health care packages, the economic packages introduced under your initiative of “Atmanirbhar Bharat” is admirable.”
“We believe India will play an even more important role in the global economy through your policies taken,” said the Bangladesh Prime Minister.