BEIJING, June 9 (Agencies): Prime Minister (PM) Sheikh Hasina said on Monday the trade gap between Bangladesh and China needs to be balanced as Dhaka wants to achieve prosperity with the help and support of its friends, especially Beijing, report agencies.
"Our trade reflects Bangladesh's import of goods of over US$6 billion from China and exports of less than half a billion dollars to China. This trade gap needs to be balanced," she said.
Hasina was delivering her speech at a seminar on "Socio-Economic Achievements of Bangladesh in Recent Years and Partnership with China" at China Institute of International Studies (CIIS) in Beijing.
The PM, however, said Chinese investment in Bangladesh is on the rise from $21.34 million in 2009 to $181.94 million in 2012. "In 2013, some 49 Chinese companies invested $310 million in our export processing zones."
"I believe our government with its total commitment and dedication would succeed in achieving our goal and go beyond to make Bangladesh a country of prosperity, progress and peace. I know that we shall succeed with the help and support of our friends, especially the government and the people of the Republic of China," she said recalling her previous visit to Beijing in March, 2010.
Showcasing the business opportunities in Bangladesh, Hasina said Bangladesh is recognised as an investment-friendly country as its offers the most liberal investment opportunities in South Asia, featuring 100 per cent foreign equity with unrestricted exit policy; easy remittance of royalty; repatriation of profits; and protection of foreign investments.
Dhaka also offers export-oriented Export Processing Zones for foreign investors, the PM said adding that seven new Exclusive Economic Zones are being established in selected areas of the country for foreign direct investment.
"Our energy prices are steady and we are hoping to generate soon 11,000 MW electricity compared to our current demand of 7,000 MW. New coal mines and gas fields have been discovered and gas production increased from 1,750 million cubic feet in 2009 to 2,250 million cubic feet in 2012 per day," she told her audience.
Bangladesh wants early implementation of the BCIM economic corridor, so it can open a new door between China and South Asia, Hasina said.
Besides, the country's workforce of young and industrious people and their availability to work at very competitive and affordable wages are an attraction. "Bangladesh also has duty free and quota free access of products of Bangladesh origin to the markets of the European Union, Canada, Australia and other developed countries."
She said investment is also being made by many of its own expatriate professionals and workers whose number currently stands at 8.2 million spread over 155 countries. In the last five years, 2.04 million workers went abroad for employment and in 2013, they sent US $ 14 billion remittance to home.
The premier noted that at the time of its independence 43 years ago, Bangladesh was a war-ravaged country. "Today, it is on the verge of a takeoff from a least developed country to a middle-income one and will soon be on the way to being a fully developed country."
She said that the UN Secretary General's comment in 2011 that Bangladesh is a model for the developing world has encouraged our government to pursue with vigour its "Vision 2021" strategy. Goldman Sachs have included Bangladesh in its list of "Next Eleven" after BRIC; J.P Morgan in its "Frontier Five"; Standard and Poor have rated us a BB; Moody asSpeakers for ensuring gender-friendly educational institutions Speakers at a seminar stressed Monday the need for ensuring clean, safe and gender-friendly environment in the educational institutions for creating congenial academic atmosphere, reports UNB.
Bridging Institutions and Innovations in Action for Sustainable Development (BIASD) organsied the seminar on 'Clean, Safe and Women-friendly Environment in Education Institutions for Sustainable Dvelopment at the Public Library Seminar Hall in the city.
UGC Chairman Prof Dr AK Azad Chowdhury was the chief guest while Dhaka University (DU) Vice-chancellor Prof Dr AAMS Arefin Siddique chaired the function.
Dr AK Azad Chowdhury observed that change in mindset, collective efforts and mass awareness were needed for ensuring clean, safe and gender-friendly campus.
He also underscored the need for introducing 'UGC Award' for encouraging the universities to ensure clean, safe and gender-friendly campus.
Dr Arefin Siddique urged the teachers and students to ensure clean and safe environment in educational institutions.
Prof Dr Md. Abdul Mannan, vice-chancellor of European University of Bangladesh, Prof Dr Mahbuba Nasreen, director of Institute of Disaster Management and Vulnerabilities Studies, DU, Dr Riazul Haque, professor of Developement Studies Department, DU, Tania Haque, chairman of Department of Women and Gender Studies, DU and Dr Abul Hossain, project director of National Centre of Gender Based Violoence, MoWCA, among others, spoke on the occasion.
Ba3 is also listing Bangladesh ahead of all South Asian countries except India, she said.
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Mozammel meets new leaders
of Muktijoddha Council
Minister for Liberation War Affairs AKM Mozammel Huq met Monday the newly elected leaders of Muktijoddha Command Council and congratulated them on their electoral victory, reports BSS.
Newly elected chairman of the council major general (retd) GH Morshed Khan, Bir Bikram, led the delegation.
During the meeting, the council leaders sought cooperation of the minister in realising their election manifesto. The minister assured them of his full cooperation.
The minister gave a patient hearing and told them that he was in full agreement with their demands. The minister also said he felt proud to identify himself as a freedom fighter rather than as a minister.
He assured the delegation that he would put his full efforts to ensure the highest honour and welfare of the freedom fighters. He sought cooperation of the council in this regard.
Other newly elected office-bearers of the council accompanied the chairman in the meeting.
Election to the Muktijoddha Council was held on June 4, 2014.
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