Bangladesh will join the US led Indo-Pacific initiative if it becomes an economic alliance, Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen said on Tuesday.
Bangladesh feels that mega regional arrangements like the China led Belt and Road Imitative (BRI) and the US led Indo-Pacific alliance would help promote growth, the minister said while addressing a session of the 35th CACCI (Confederation of Asia-Pacific Chambers of Commerce and Industry) conference held in the capital.
“We have joined the BRI and have agreed to join the Indo-Pacific alliance if it becomes an economic alliance,” he said.
Dr Momen said the country has taken initiative to strengthen ties with multilateral alliances to reap economic befit for the people of the country.
The minister said that the government has focused on taking steps to ease business in Bangladesh.
For this we have to improve both tangible and intangible infrastructure, he added. 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 the Summit Group told to explore the true potential of the Asia Pacific the countries should refrain from engaging in conflicts.
Managing Director of the 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 the Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industries (FICCI) said the rise in protectionism may create disturbances in the global trade system.
Dr Pedram Soltani moderated the session.
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