Good connectivity to facilitate rapid dev

The China-South Asia Expo kicked off in the Chinese spring city of Kunming Friday aiming to expand cooperation in diversified areas from trade-investment to silk corridor development through road and sea in the region.
Some 46 countries including Bangladesh are participating in the five-day expo, second of its kind at the Kunming International Convention and Exhibition Centre.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was among the five heads of state attending the inaugural ceremony of the biggest- ever gathering of all categories of government officials, business people and academicians of the region.
Vice Premier of China, Vice Prime Minister of Nepal, Vice president of the Maldives, Vice Premier of Laos, Vice Speaker of Sri Lanka and Governor of the Yunnan Province of China also attended the inaugural ceremony. The SAARC Secretary General was present as an observer.
In her speech, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said heavy investment in infrastructure development by China in Yunnan province showed the leadership farsightedness in establishing good connectivity to facilitate rapid cooperation for development among the countries in the region.
She hoped that connectivity would accelerate economic cooperation and strengthen overall ties with China and all other neighbouing countries.
 "Bangladesh stands on the threshold to become an economic powerhouse in the region," the Prime Minister told the gathering adding that the Bangladesh economy is vibrant and with the help of China and other neighbouring countries, its future is also very promising.
She highlighted 60 per cent population of below 40 years of age, socio-economic dynamism, attractive investment climate, private sector- led economic growth strategy and maintaining GDP growth of over 6.0 per cent during the last five years as strength of the country.
From the experience of the car rally held from Kolkata to Kunming city last year, Sheikh Hasina said the rally has proved that Bangladesh-China-India-Myanmar Economic Corridor (BCIM-EC) would bring people of the region closer and help stimulate greater cooperation between the two countries in all spheres of bilateral relations.
She observed that the China-South Asia Expo to be working as a catalyst for boosting trade, investment, tourism and cultural exchanges between China and Bangladesh in the region.
The Yunnan government organised the 2nd expo when a series of events including the 22nd Kunming Export and Import Fair are also being held.
A business delegation comprising 70 members is accompanying the Bangladesh prime minister which will also attend some activities to expand the cooperation including the Yunnan province government's target to develop new Silk Road corridor.  
Another big delegation from business community will also exchange views during the next couple of days under the banner of China-South Asia Business forum, China-Bangladesh Joint Economy and Trade Commissioners.
The first China-South Asian Science and Technology Ministerial Conference is being organised to implement the national strategy of 'Silk Road Economic Belt', and ' 21st Century Maritime Silk Road aiming at facilitating scientific and technological cooperation with South Asian nations.
Some 3,188 indoor booths have been set up where well- known brands including General Motors, Yingli Group, Indian Tata Group, ILC and Sony Group will exhibit their products.
The sourcing event will be held with new items in trade-in-service in tourism, finance, logistics, education and culture this year.