Seize connectivity as 'strategic opportunity' for prosperity; PM urges ASEM leaders

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today laid importance on smooth connectivity among all countries and communities to secure peace, stability and prosperity saying connectivity should be taken as a strategic opportunity. 

"Connectivity is indeed no longer a 'choice' for any community, it is about seizing 'strategic opportunity," she said while speaking at the Plenary of 11th ASEM Summit. 

Speaking at the plenary-2 on theme- "20 Years of ASEM: Partnership for Future Through Connectivity", the Prime Minister said, "Whatever be the modality of connectivity frameworks, these should aim at accelerating sustained, inclusive growth and sustainable development. At the turn of 20 years, ASEM reflects on deepening connectivity here in Mongolia in the wake of multiple transformations that we are witnessing now." 

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina who arrived here yesterday to attend two-day Asia-Europe Summit, joined inaugural session of the Summit held at Shangri-La Hotel.

President of Mongolia Tskhiazin Elbegdorj received Sheikh Hasina on her arrival at the summit venue. 

"Today, new growth hubs and nodes are emerging across ASEM landscape," the Prime Minister said adding that long-known business patterns and industries are giving way for new ones. 

"Principles like 'sustainability' and 'responsible business conduct' increasingly shape manufacturing and service across our economies. Regional and global supply chains deepen our regional cooperative engagements," she said adding that all development initiatives need to be based on core values and principles like solidarity, friendship, mutual trust, and equitable sharing of benefits. 

Pointing out the advancement in multi-modal connectivity among the countries in Asia-Pacific region, Sheikh Hasina said in South Asia, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India and Nepal (BBIN) and Bangladesh, China, India, Myanmar - Economic Corridor (BCIM-EC) are worth noting. 

Bangladesh premier however said for connectivity to yield greater advantages and improvements in peoples' living and livelihoods, we need to seriously explore greater resources, further capabilities, and newer partnerships. 

Highlighting Bangladesh's progress in e-services Sheikh Hasina said 4.5 million under-served citizens receive over 70 e-services from 5,300 Digital Centres across the country and around 43,000 government offices are connected under a single national e-portal.

The Prime Minister hoped that ASEM would be able to bring greater result orientation on connectivity, especially under ASEM Working Group on Connectivity.

Sheikh Hasina appreciated excellent arrangement and gracious hospitality given to her and Bangladesh delegation to Mongolia saying the historic city is a silent witness to inter-connections between the east and the west, the north and the south.

Source: BSS