When it comes to maintaining and forming new bilateral ties, few nations do it as well as Bangladesh.
To that end, the prevailing practice of building economic zones in collaboration with other nations can prove instrumental as the benefits are two folds: Alongside offering economic development for the host nation -- Bangladesh in this case -- it also strengthens our friendship with other nations and bolsters our emergence at the international stage.
In keeping with this, the prospect of building an economic zone in collaboration with Bhutan, as shared by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, would be a win-win situation for both nations.
The relationship between Bhutan and Bangladesh goes way back as the country was one of the first nations to recognize the independence of Bangladesh. Bangladesh is also the largest buyer of Bhutanese produce and to make trade even smoother, both Bangladesh and Bhutan are signatories to a preferential trade agreement (PTA).
Bhutan is also one of our most important allies in the global stage when it comes to fighting against climate change. As melting glaciers and rising sea levels are major threats for both countries' survival, it makes sense to work together not just for our mutually beneficial economic development, but in order to fight back against a crisis that threatens the whole planet.
In recent years, we have not only attained success within our diplomacy through formal channels, but we have been able to make our mark through different international events as well.
Our Father of the Nation Sheikh Mujibur Rahman showed great foresight when he proclaimed the words that serve as a mission statement for our international dealings: Friendship for everyone, enmity for no one.
As long as we stick to that dictum, the only direction we can go is up.
