Developing countries and regions through pragmatic co-operation

In this globalised world political parties around the world play extremely important roles in political, economic and social life. So this type of conference may help enhance deeper multidimensional understanding for enjoying fruits of regional, continental and world connectivity.
Comrade Xi Jinping, the President of China, has put forward the Belt Road initiatives to build the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road in a bid to revive the historic trade routes and boost co-operation between China and other Asian nations. We appreciate this initiative. At a dialogue on strengthening connectivity and improving co-operation in China's neighbourhood, Xi said that China will contribute US$ 40 billion to set up a Silk Road Fund.
Both the New Silk Road and New Maritime Silk Road are proactive moves to extend infrastructure development programmes backed by China's huge resources and enormous expertise. The remarkable performance of China in infrastructure development in Asia is all too evident. That explains well why Beijing has taken the lead role in setting up the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB). This is an unpalatable development for those who have been trying to maintain the "status quo" of the existing global power structure. There is no apparent reason to dub these two initiatives as 'Geopolitics' to pursue a 'Strategic Objective' through economic initiative. These are essentially about upgrading logistics and strengthening multi-modal connectivity, the factors that are all too important for economic prosperity and people's well-being in today's globalised economy.
China's export-oriented growth faced severe challenges in the face of shrinking global demand. In spite of this the Chinese growth in 2014 was 7.4 per cent. The efficiency needed in the global supply chain has to be achieved. The location of each process is based on comparative advantage and production lines are split across countries. China is an important investor. The dispute settlement provisions and 'most-favoured nation treatment' are aspects of trade negotiations. A boom in trade in service will take place. The 21st century prosperity and economic security need new rules and China and its partners have to use forums such as the Special Conference of the Asian Political Parties (held in Beijing from October 14 to 16, 2015) to facilitate the process.
The internal reform of the Chinese economy and its changing role in the global economy provide a common ground for China and developed countries to work on their divergence and to agree to a new set of rules. The principle is to achieve common development and leverage the role of political parties in political, economic and social aspects. It is hoped that the political parties can help in enhancing co-operation, mutual learning and shared benefits. The exchanges of people will contribute in enhancing economic integration creating friendship between countries along the Silk Route. The role of the Communist Party of China (CPC) in bringing about productive deliberations amongst political parties during this planned event can be a cornerstone of a significant and intellectually well-grounded move to bring about desired changes and attain economic benefits.
The initiative of the Chinese people to carry along with it all countries along the Silk Route is based on the desire to have a long-term and durable economic regime that is inclusive and prosperous. The invitation is not only to share, but make the pie bigger and bigger and sustainable. All countries are expected to develop and attain prosperity taking advantage of the emerging opportunities. The countries can be of any size or strength and at different levels of economic standing. There will be greater co-operation, knowledge transfer and win-win outcome.
The underlying theme of 'World Connectivity' and Silk Road spirit is to materialise development of countries and regions through pragmatic co-operation. The digital economy is a must and there has to be interoperability regionally. Otherwise countries cannot join and help to make the pie bigger.
It is to be noted that political parties in many countries are collapsing. The long history and correctness of political thought has made the CPC a beacon to the people and political parties in the world. Nation-states are very fragile and needs deep political understanding and party engagement. This event is important globally.
Moreover, as the international situation is complicated and volatile, world economy is recovering at a slow pace. It remains an arduous task for all countries to improve the quality of economy and standard of living. But political system and political problem in all countries are not same or stable. Due to regional, global instability and some unpredictable and unseen problems that originate from various internal contradictions, the governments and the peoples of the respective countries are facing uncomfortable situation and are not able to take firm and long-term policies. As we are also passing through a transitional period, world's economic and political situations are rapidly changing, adjusting and readjusting frequently. For this reason the existing global international order is at stake. The international social, economic and political order also face more challenges than ever before. The old legacy of nation-state may create more obstacles for early materialising of Silk-Road concept. We are confident enough for creating geoconomics in the world after successful implementation of this concept.
Bangladesh government under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is very much keen to broaden the concept of multilateral connectivity in practice. She is very much serious for early materialisation of the BCIM-EC (Bangladesh, China, India and Mianmar- Economic Corridor). We also feel that for ensuring peaceful economic development political stability and maintaining a harmonious Asia, in particular South Asia, for materialising the concept of Silk Road and Maritime Silk Road in reality is the cry of the day.
Finally, China has reached that stage where anything affecting China will affect the entire world. It is therefore imperative for developing countries to approach China. We highly appreciate that the CPC under the leadership of Comrade Xi Jinping has taken the initiative for holding the Special Conference of Asian Political Parties on the Silk Road named "New Vision of the Silk Road, Actions for Common Development". It will send a positive message not only to the people of Asia but also to the world.
The article has been adapted from the speech the writer made at the Special Conference of Asian Political Parties on the Silk Road named "New Vision of the Silk Road, Actions for Common Development", held in Beijing from October 14-16, 2015.  The writer, General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Bangladesher Samyabadi Dal (M.L), is a former Industry Minister of Bangladesh.
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