BD to join, only if it is an economic alliance

Bangladesh will join US-led Indo-Pacific Initiative if it will be an economic alliance, Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen said on Tuesday.
"Bangladesh feels that mega regional arrangements like China-led Belt and Road Initiative and US-led Indo-Pacific alliance will help promote growth," he said while addressing a session of the 35th CACCI conference held in the city.
"We have joined the BRI. And we have agreed to join the Info-Pacific Initiative if it will be an economic alliance," he added.
Dr Momen said the government has taken initiative to strengthen ties with multilateral alliances to reap economic benefits for the people of the country.
The government has focused on taking steps to ease business in Bangladesh. "For this, we have to improve both tangible and intangible infrastructures," the minister said.
Terming the coming century the 'Asian century', he stressed the need for fostering connectivity and integration among the economies of the Asia-Pacific region.
Addressing the session, Muhammed Aziz Khan, chairman of Summit Group, said to explore the true potential of the Asia-Pacific, the countries should refrain from engaging in conflicts.
Managing Director of Japan Tobacco Bangladesh Max Lobachev noted that his company has invested in Bangladesh as the country has huge potential.
Dilip Chenoy, Secretary General of the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), said the rise in protectionism may create disturbances in the global trade system.
Dr Pedram Soltani, vice president of CACCI, moderated the session.

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