Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has sought collective efforts to ensure proper connectivity and greater people-to-people exchanges for a more peaceful and stable Asian region.
The Prime Minister made the call while speaking at an event of the Commonwealth Business Forum at Guild Hall in London of the United Kingdom on Wednesday.
The event titled 'Asian Leaders Roundtable: Can Asia Keep Growing?' was moderated by Standard Chartered India CEO Zarin Daruwala, reports UNB.
“Prosperity and equality within our borders will bring growth for all and growing together we can create a more peaceful and stable region," Sheikh Hasina said.
She urged Asian leaders to build bridges, strive for connectivity, and aspire for greater people-to-people exchanges and understanding.
Pointing at the Asian nations, Sheikh Hasina said, "We need to be more inclusive in our growth – not just within our nations but across Asian countries.”
She said the stability will be the key to the future of Asia. "In a world where the more stable economies are fast becoming unpredictable, Asian nations can show the way by offering a future that is more secure and visionary."
The Prime Minister said the past of the world belonged to Asia and the future is also destined to be of Asia.
In Asia, there are the largest labour force, the biggest markets and the most plentiful deposits of natural resources.
“Most importantly, the people of Asia are driven by their resilience, hardworking ability, talent and optimism," she said.
Hasina mentioned that the Asia has achieved much in the last 70 years as the economic successes of Asian countries are considered ‘miracles’ by many economists and scholars.
"However, we must remain cautious optimists – an attitude true to our Asian spirit. The world is changing rapidly. Digital and social media networks are bringing people together as well as tearing them apart," she added.
The Prime Minister said economic development is bringing prosperity but also creating inequalities.
"Terrorism, conflicts, financial shocks and other emerging challenges threaten stability. We’ve achieved much, but there are enough obstacles and hazards on our way ahead," she said.
Sheikh Hasina also stressed the importance of investing more in the youth, women and citizens as a whole to overcome the challenges.
"Asians have proved time and again that their spirit - combined with cultivated talent – can overcome any challenge. We need to train our workforce in the skill sets needed for a future that is digital, research, innovation and technology driven," she told her audience.
