Trans-Himalayan Economic Forum

The Trans-Himalayan economic forum is mainly a forum that plays a catalytic role in bridging the gap between China and South Asia, encompassing part of China's Belt and Road Initiative - a global development initiative that develops connectivity, especially across Europe and Asia. With the objectives, efforts, and thematic goals towards the Trans-Himalayan Connectivity, the forum is expected to extend cooperation and support to let the region move forward to become an important gateway to South Asia to build the Trans-Himalayan economic zone fully integrated into the Belt and Road Initiative. This forum not only continues its endeavour to develop its traditional friendship, trade, and cultural exchanges with neighbouring countries, but also takes steps to promote mutual benefits and foster further collaborations in the region. This concept will enhance people-to-people contacts and exchanges that constitute the key component of the Belt and Road Initiative and will provide the sustainable foundation for international connectivity. We are also expecting that a Trans-Himalayan connectivity network will build smooth communication and deepen the cooperation in the areas of trade, tourism, investment, and livelihood. This is a new historical point which is President Xi Jinping's "concept of neighbouring diplomacy of amity, sincerity, mutual benefit and inclusiveness."
The Trans-Himalayan economic zone may be much more resourceful in terms of water and energy. Moreover, tourism could be developed in the region to turn it into a better place pushed up by green development model that brings about harmony between humanity and nature. It may be transformed into an ideal region for protecting the environment; following the path of healthy development by achieving productive development; prosperity and sound ecological environment; side by side creating a society that respects these vital principles for sustainable human existence on the planet Earth. As eco-environmental protection should become an important component of development, we are observing that China is more conscientious in promoting green, circular and low-carbon development. We hope China in future will never seek economic growth at the cost of environment. The balance between economic growth and environment could establish a stable sustenance in this region. The Trans-Himalayan development may be potentially ideal for green sustainable development. In course of time the Trans-Himalayan development will be the model of the world for green industrial growth.
We are happy to note that China has made unprecedented socio-economic and technological developments and bears an invincible willingness to share the fruits of development with her neighbouring countries including Bangladesh through the BRI. The Trans-Himalayan connectivity would create more business and trade opportunities between China and the South Asian countries. We understand the BRI aims at addressing the infrastructural and super structural bottlenecks of development. Building cross-border infrastructure is very important for South Asian countries including landlocked countries like Nepal and Bhutan. Cross-border railway connectivity could be a landmark project in South Asia. It will also help provide cementing people-to-people relations. Moreover, connectivity will help South Asian countries exploit the full potentials of its economic possibilities. There are numerous untapped areas for investment in Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan and other South Asian countries such as infrastructure construction, hydropower, hotel business, information and technology, health and education where Chinese entrepreneurs and business community can secure significant profit. So, Belt and Road Initiative is a creative thinking of Xi Jinping with the aim of "building a community of a shared future for humanity" and greater cooperation among the nations. By this way BRI has provided numerous opportunities of collaboration, partnership and cooperation for mutual benefit from the perspective of eco-friendly development.
Through the regional cooperation between South Asia and China we have ample opportunities to utilize and apply modern experiences from the technology-based prosperous and eco-friendly eternal neighbour like China. It can contribute substantial ideas to enhance development and policymaking of the region which will lead the continent and the world. To implement this process we have faced challenges from a South Asian ambitious regional power by opposing The Trans-Himalayan Concept. So, we have to ensure people-to-people contact to raise the voice for creating opinion regarding the importance of the Trans-Himalayan Forum. After disappearance of the Covid-19 pandemic the world order will take a shape and subsequently the economic recovery will be the most pertinent question. We expect China will hold the leading position in the process of global eco-friendly economic recovery. By this time China has geared up its total production and trading activities. But the western countries including the USA, South Asia -- India in particular -- are in a dilemma for revival of the economy and lagging behind China, because their systems doesn't work well. In this perspective, the Trans-Himalayan Economic Forum can contribute a positive and pragmatic economic outcome with objective decisions in the adjacent countries.

Dilip Barua is General Secretary of Central Committee, Communist Party of Bangladesh (M-L) and Former Minister