It would be a sensible fit and mutually beneficial
The government should speed up efforts for Bangladesh to join ASEAN.
It would be an attractive and logical move for both parties. The 10 country strong $2.3 trillion association last expanded in the 1990s when Cambodia and Myanmar joined.
There are many good reasons for Bangladesh to join ASEAN to build on our existing good relations. Not least is the help membership has provided to Myanmar, which hosted ASEAN’s most recent summit this month, in boosting inward investment.
Bangladesh recognises the value of the Look East policy and joining this important trade block would further our goal to grow trade relationships with a wider range of countries.
For ASEAN, Bangladesh’s growing economy and geographical location makes it a natural candidate for membership. As a key member of SAARC and BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative) Bangladesh’s involvement would provide a valuable hub to improve regional connectivity and help build trade between South and East Asia.
Most important of all, it would be a sensible fit and mutually beneficial, by helping both ASEAN and Bangladesh to grow strategically.
ASEAN offers Bangladesh many opportunities for building co-operation and sharing expertise with sophisticated economies such as Singapore. Joining would be a highly cost effective way to boost the country’s potential as an investment destination.
Hopefully, as well as diversifying our exports and reducing dependence on major trade partners, such a move would also spur SAARC towards reviving efforts to boost free trade in our region.
Source: Dhaka Tribune
