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Bangladesh might be South-East Asian economic hub: Blake
Bangladesh might be South-East Asian economic hub: Blake
Friday, 17 February 2012
DHAKA, FEB 16: Bangladesh can be a hub of economic activities in south-east Asia if proper infrastructure is developed accordingly, US assistant secretary of state for South and Central Asia Robert O Blake has said. Sounding a high resonance about the countrys economy, the US top official said Bangladesh has made substantial economic progress over the past two decades and is well positioned to accelerate its economic growth if it can address infrastructure constraints and other impediments to investment.
Although the pace of change is slow and challenges are substantial, Blake said dynamism, resilience and entrepreneurship of Bangladeshi people will help weather such challenges.
The visiting dignitary also pointed to the fact that Bangladesh has constantly grown at 6 per cent and remained almost unaffected by the 2008 global crisis and offers opportunities for increased US investment and exports.
Terming US the most important economic partner of Bangladesh, Blake said the two countries will celebrate 40 years of diplomatic relationships this year.
We are Bangladeshs largest single export market, its leading source of investment and third biggest sources of remittances.
He said US-Bangla economic ties contribute to the livelihood of millions of Bangladeshis. Also, thanks in no small part to the entrepreneurship and leadership of AmCham members, US exports to Bangladesh roughly doubled to more than $1 billion in 2011 and helped support some 10,000 jobs at home.
Addressing a luncheon programme of the American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham), the US high official said the two countries are now exploring ways to establish a formal mechanism for economic dialogue to tap business opportunities.
Jointly organised by the US embassy in Dhaka and AmCham, the meeting was addressed by chamber president Abtab Ul Islam and executive director A. Gafur. The meeting was attended among others by US ambassador to Bangladesh Dan Mozena and consul general in Kolkata Dean Thompson.
Dwelling on his governments economic activities, Blake said economic engagement with Bangladesh is designed to strengthen the American economy, create business opportunities in the region and advance stability and prosperity in South and Central Asia.
Underlining a new silk road vision, he said establishing linkages in energy, trade, transit and among people between South and Central Asia with Bangladesh will play a key role in this regard.
When such vision comes into a reality, Blake said goods produced in Bangladesh would find their way to neighbouring markets in India and beyond Afghanistan and central Asia. This new silk road, like the historic Grand Trunk Road of the Sher Shah dynasty during the Moghal empire, would open the untapped potential for economic cooperation in the region.
He said US supports Bangladeshs efforts to strengthen regional economic ties, particularly with India. Increasing trade will bring substantial benefits for the peoples of Bangladesh and India.
On Indo-Bangla relations, he lauded both the governments for their efforts to improve bilateral relations and resolve outstanding conflicts.
Hasinas visit to Delhi and Monmohons visit to Dhaka are the most visible examples of the two countries remarkable recent efforts to put aside differences and build new bridges, representing a credible model for regional cooperation throughout South Asia, he added
Bangladesh economic future, he said, is not only about the future of South Asia but about its growing relationship with East Asia and the rest of the world. In this regard he pointed out President Obama announced a renewed focus on American engagement with East Asia. The region already generates more than half of global output and nearly half of global trade.
Asked about Padma Bridge, Blake said in the case of big project the government should maintain transparency and accountability and give attention to rule of law so that the shareholders can see there is no irregularity.
Earlier in his address, the AmCham president pointed out the impediments to the countrys economic development investment.
Bangladesh might be South-East Asian economic hub: Blake
Friday, 17 February 2012
DHAKA, FEB 16: Bangladesh can be a hub of economic activities in south-east Asia if proper infrastructure is developed accordingly, US assistant secretary of state for South and Central Asia Robert O Blake has said. Sounding a high resonance about the countrys economy, the US top official said Bangladesh has made substantial economic progress over the past two decades and is well positioned to accelerate its economic growth if it can address infrastructure constraints and other impediments to investment.
Although the pace of change is slow and challenges are substantial, Blake said dynamism, resilience and entrepreneurship of Bangladeshi people will help weather such challenges.
The visiting dignitary also pointed to the fact that Bangladesh has constantly grown at 6 per cent and remained almost unaffected by the 2008 global crisis and offers opportunities for increased US investment and exports.
Terming US the most important economic partner of Bangladesh, Blake said the two countries will celebrate 40 years of diplomatic relationships this year.
We are Bangladeshs largest single export market, its leading source of investment and third biggest sources of remittances.
He said US-Bangla economic ties contribute to the livelihood of millions of Bangladeshis. Also, thanks in no small part to the entrepreneurship and leadership of AmCham members, US exports to Bangladesh roughly doubled to more than $1 billion in 2011 and helped support some 10,000 jobs at home.
Addressing a luncheon programme of the American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham), the US high official said the two countries are now exploring ways to establish a formal mechanism for economic dialogue to tap business opportunities.
Jointly organised by the US embassy in Dhaka and AmCham, the meeting was addressed by chamber president Abtab Ul Islam and executive director A. Gafur. The meeting was attended among others by US ambassador to Bangladesh Dan Mozena and consul general in Kolkata Dean Thompson.
Dwelling on his governments economic activities, Blake said economic engagement with Bangladesh is designed to strengthen the American economy, create business opportunities in the region and advance stability and prosperity in South and Central Asia.
Underlining a new silk road vision, he said establishing linkages in energy, trade, transit and among people between South and Central Asia with Bangladesh will play a key role in this regard.
When such vision comes into a reality, Blake said goods produced in Bangladesh would find their way to neighbouring markets in India and beyond Afghanistan and central Asia. This new silk road, like the historic Grand Trunk Road of the Sher Shah dynasty during the Moghal empire, would open the untapped potential for economic cooperation in the region.
He said US supports Bangladeshs efforts to strengthen regional economic ties, particularly with India. Increasing trade will bring substantial benefits for the peoples of Bangladesh and India.
On Indo-Bangla relations, he lauded both the governments for their efforts to improve bilateral relations and resolve outstanding conflicts.
Hasinas visit to Delhi and Monmohons visit to Dhaka are the most visible examples of the two countries remarkable recent efforts to put aside differences and build new bridges, representing a credible model for regional cooperation throughout South Asia, he added
Bangladesh economic future, he said, is not only about the future of South Asia but about its growing relationship with East Asia and the rest of the world. In this regard he pointed out President Obama announced a renewed focus on American engagement with East Asia. The region already generates more than half of global output and nearly half of global trade.
Asked about Padma Bridge, Blake said in the case of big project the government should maintain transparency and accountability and give attention to rule of law so that the shareholders can see there is no irregularity.
Earlier in his address, the AmCham president pointed out the impediments to the countrys economic development investment.
