ASEAN missions in Bangladesh are committed to deepening their partnership with the South Asian nation, emphasizing mutual benefits and shared prosperity. The pledge was highlighted during a reception celebrating the 59th anniversary of ASEAN in Dhaka.
Strong Historical Ties
The reception was attended by heads of ASEAN missions, diplomats, and representatives from business, civil society, and media. Malaysian High Commissioner Mohd Shuhada Othman, Chairman of the ASEAN Dhaka Committee, emphasized the value of Bangladesh as a close friend and an important partner in South Asia.
Bangladesh and ASEAN have a rich history of collaboration, marked by strong people-to-people contacts, robust trade relations, and centuries-old cultural links. These ties provide a solid foundation for enhancing bilateral cooperation across various sectors.
Potential for Growth
Othman highlighted that both ASEAN and Bangladesh have significant strengths that can complement each other. ASEAN, with its dynamic economic region and over 680 million people, and Bangladesh, with its large and youthful population, have immense potential for growth.
From trade, investment, and education to culture, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges, the partnership between Bangladesh and ASEAN offers numerous opportunities for deeper cooperation. Fisheries and Livestock Minister Mohammed Aminur Rashid called for continued support for Bangladesh's application to become an ASEAN Sectoral Dialogue Partner.
Bangladesh has already initiated several projects to enhance sectoral cooperation with ASEAN, including a fisheries and aquaculture project worth nearly US$0.5 million. Other projects in tourism, ICT, MSMEs, and culture are also underway.
