LONDON, Apr 18 (UNB): Prime Minister (PM) Sheikh Hasina laid emphasis on Wednesday on collective efforts to have proper connectivity and greater people-to-people exchanges to create a more peaceful and stable Asian region.
"Prosperity and equality within our borders will bring growth for all and growing together we can create a more peaceful and stable region. For that, we need to build bridges, strive for connectivity, both hard and soft, and aspire for greater people-to-people exchanges and understanding," she said.
The PM said this while speaking at an event of the Commonwealth Business Forum at Guild Hall here.
The event titled 'Asian Leaders Roundtable: Can Asia Keep Growing?' was moderated by Standard Chartered India CEO Zarin Daruwala.
Pointing at the Asian nations, Sheikh Hasina said, "We need to be more inclusive in our growth - not just within our nations but across Asian countries."
She said the stability will be the key to the future of Asia. "In a world where the more stable economies are fast becoming unpredictable, Asian nations can show the way by offering a future that is more secure and visionary."
The PM said the past of the world belonged to Asia and the future is also destined to be of Asia.
In Asia, there are the largest labour force, the biggest markets and the most plentiful deposits of natural resources. "Most importantly, the people of Asia are driven by their resilience, hardworking ability, talent and optimism," she said.
Hasina mentioned that the Asia has achieved much in the last 70 years as the economic successes of Asian countries are considered 'miracles' by many economists and scholars.
"However, we must remain cautious optimists - an attitude true to our Asian spirit.
