Bernicat dispels US 'competition' with India, China in Bangladesh as 'myth'

US Ambassador in Dhaka Marcia Bernicat has said her country is not in competition with either India or China in Bangladesh.

Bangladesh, which is eyeing more East for geopolitical and strategic reasons now, is strengthening ties with China and neighbouring India.

But it has seen rising tensions with the United States over several issues in recent years.

Many members of the public in Bangladesh, like some analysts of international politics, think the US, the only global superpower, is in a battle with India and China over the influence on Bangladesh for its geopolitical significance.

With these ideas in the backdrop, the Independent University of Bangladesh (IUB) organised an international conference titled 'China, India and The United States in Bangladesh: Catalyzing Competitive Cooperation' on Thursday.

In her speech at the conference, the American ambassador touched upon three topics on regional cooperation.

"First, I would like to dispel a myth," she said.

"The United States is not in competition with either India or China here in Bangladesh.

"I believe that all India, China, and the United States share the goal of a prosperous, safe, and stable society for Bangladesh," she added.

Bernicat said the US recognises that helping Bangladesh meet its own ambitious development goals will require the good ideas and resources of more than a single country.

"The United States welcomes development and economic assistance from other countries and international organizations," she added.

The envoy also emphasised ensuring fair and transparent rules.

"American companies need to have confidence that their bids will be considered fairly, that their intellectual property will be respected, and that their partners in the private sector and the government will fulfill their contracts."

She added that American companies are very interested in trading with and investing in Bangladesh.

Her last point was that Bangladesh and its neighbours are missing significant opportunities because of insufficient regional connectivity.

"Bangladesh possesses all of the economic fundamentals necessary to attract foreign investment and to become a regional production hub:  more than six percent annual growth sustained over the past two decades; a large, young, and reliable workforce; a huge domestic consumer market of over 165 million people; a vibrant, innovative private sector; and a strategic location between South Asia and Southeast Asia," she said.

She concluded by saying that the US welcomes international collaboration to help Bangladesh meet its development goals.