Bangladesh PM pitches for greater Asia-Europe interaction

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has emphasised more favourable trade regime and people-to-people contact to make the Asia-Europe Connectivity a reality.

She made the call in her address to the 10th Summit of Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) in Italy’s financial capital Milan on Wednesday.

Hasina said better interactions and connections between the continents would benefit everyone.

"The more the two continents will have interactions and connections, the more will be partnership and ensure benefits to all.”

Hasina pointed out that Asia-Europe interdependence had been growing significantly over the past years with the bilateral trade volume reaching nearly $2 trillion.

Also, Europe had become Asia's main trade partner while over one-fourth of its overseas investment destination was Asia.

"It facilitates us to create an enabling environment to further flourish our trade and investment," the prime minister said.

She said Bangladesh had been "keenly following" the ASEM and became a member in its last meeting at Laos capital Vientiane.

Hasina also drew attention to other global issues like climate change, migration and terrorism.

"If we can forge cooperation on global issues, we can also ensure sustainable and inclusive global growth," she hoped.

Bangladesh is one of the most vulnerable countries to climate change in the world. Rising sea levels might force 30 million of its people to move elsewhere, she said.

The prime minister said Bangladesh had allocated $385 million for adaptation and mitigation of climate change despite being a poor country.

She said adequate additional climate finance, access to locally-adaptable technologies, and support to capacity- and institution-building were needed to combat climate change.

She said eradication of poverty and access to education should be at the centre of Post-2015 Development Agenda highlighting Bangladesh's achievements in these sectors.

Poverty rate has been cut to 25 percent from 57 percent in 1991, she noted adding that 93 percent of the people have access to safe drinking water and sanitation now.

Primary education has been made free for all and for girls it is up to bachelor’s degree level.

Hasina said people-to people-contact, cultural and educational exchange and social interactions were instrumental to building and fostering a strong Asia-Europe connectivity.

Bangladesh has undertaken several infrastructure and connectivity projects to promote regional connectivity.

She said special economic zones were being set up to allow potential investors to invest in Bangladesh.

"European Union is now our largest export destination. I know many Asian countries are negotiating with EU for greater trade arrangements.

"The more favourable trade regime, the more convenient technical cooperation, the more vibrant people to people contact will translate Asia-Europe Connectivity a reality," the prime minister said.