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Economy drives Bangladesh's foreign policy, says minister Swapon
Dhaka, July 18: Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon on Saturday said Bangladesh's foreign policy is driven primarily by economic priorities rather than geopolitical considerations, with trade, investment, remittances and overseas employment serving as the key pillars of the country's diplomatic engagement.
Speaking at a seminar titled "Long Live Bangladesh-China Friendship", organised by the Bangladesh-China Friendship Association (BCFA) at a hotel in the capital, Swapon said China has the potential to become one of Bangladesh's most strategic and dependable partners in advancing the country's economic development.
Referring to the growing economic ties between the two countries, the minister said China is Bangladesh's second-largest source of foreign direct investment (FDI), while bilateral trade has reached nearly US$20 billion. However, he noted that Bangladesh's exports to China remain below US$1 billion and said the Chinese government is keen to support efforts to expand Bangladesh's export capacity.
Swapon expressed optimism that China could emerge as Bangladesh's most important development partner in the coming years under the vision of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.
Highlighting the importance of regional connectivity, he said sustainable economic growth is not possible without stronger transport links and regional integration. He said recent efforts led by Chinese Ambassador Yao Wen resulted in an understanding between Bangladesh and China to establish road connectivity, adding that the process of connecting China, Myanmar and Bangladesh by road is set to begin after overcoming long-standing challenges.
He added that Bangladesh would welcome the participation of any other country, including India, in the initiative, describing it as a major strategic opportunity for regional economic development.
On the Rohingya crisis, Swapon called on China to play a more effective role in facilitating a lasting solution through dialogue between Bangladesh and Myanmar.
"The Chinese government has attached importance to the mutual interests of Bangladesh and Myanmar, and we hope China will make meaningful contributions to resolving the Rohingya issue," he said.
Clarifying Bangladesh's diplomatic approach, the minister said the country's foreign policy is shaped by economic realities.
"We import from China and India, export to the United States and Europe, and receive remittances from the Middle East and Malaysia. Our foreign policy reflects these economic realities, and China attaches great importance to this position," he said.
Swapon also praised Chinese Ambassador Yao Wen for his role in strengthening Bangladesh-China relations and expanding political and economic cooperation between the two countries.
Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir attended the seminar as the chief guest, while Chinese Ambassador Yao Wen was present as the guest of honour. Bangladesh-China Friendship Association President and Adviser to the BNP Chairperson Advocate Nazmul Haque Nannu chaired the event.
State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism M Rashiduzzaman Millat also addressed the seminar as a special guest. Lawmakers Sanzida Islam Tuli and Shamsur Rahman Shimul Biswas, among others, were present.
-HIS
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Published by the Editor on behalf of the Observer Ltd. from Globe Printers, 24/A, New Eskaton Road, Ramna, Dhaka.
Editorial, News and Commercial Offices : Aziz Bhaban (2nd floor), 93, Motijheel C/A, Dhaka-1000.
Phone: PABX- 41053001-06; Advertisement: 41053012; 01793317829, 01550707291, E-mail: [email protected], [email protected] Online: email: [email protected] 41053014; 01550707297 Advertisement: 01550707296
