Dr. Yunus said that Bangladesh wants to move towards creating a ‘triple zero’ – zero poverty, zero unemployment and zero carbon rich world. He added, ‘Many see our population as a challenge, but we consider it as an opportunity. We want to harness its strength and potential by hosting the BIMSTEC Secretariat.’

The chief advisor said, ‘Progress in trade and investment and increasing opportunities for youth mobility are very important. Intra-regional trade in the BIMSTEC region is only 5.9 percent. We want the speedy implementation of the BIMSTEC Free Trade Agreement signed in 2004.’

He also said, ‘The master plan on transport connectivity adopted at the fifth BIMSTEC summit needs to be implemented quickly. Bangladesh is ready to provide all kinds of cooperation in the implementation of this master plan. Besides, yesterday we signed the BIMSTEC Maritime Transport Cooperation Memorandum, which will play a significant role in increasing connectivity with landlocked countries and the northeastern region of India.’

Dr. Yunus said, ‘We are in favor of restructuring an economic structure that will not only increase wealth; but also ensure dignity and security. Innovative social business can be one aspect of this.’

Expressing concern that the Rohingya crisis, if not permanently resolved, could create instability for the entire region, he said that BIMSTEC can play a more effective role in this regard. A humanitarian corridor can be established in Rakhine State, so that hunger and displacement can be prevented.

After assuming the chairmanship of the BIMSTEC summit, the Chief Advisor Dr. Yunus said that he will look forward to welcoming the member countries to Dhaka in the next two years.

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