Only B’desh can find way forward, he says
The second US-Bangladesh Partnership Dialogue begins here on Sunday to discuss key issues like security cooperation and the current political uncertainty that has made the investment climate in Bangladesh difficult, said US Ambassador Dan Mozena.
“Yes, this (political issue) is a very much part of the Partnership Dialogue. We’re friends, and friends talk to each other and that’s exactly what’s happening in partnership dialogue,” Mozena said confirming that the political issue will be there on the table for discussion on Wednesday.
The US envoy said this at a crowded press conference at the American Center in the city. US Embassy’s Press and Information Officer Kerry S McCarthy was also present.
Ambassador Mozena said this is the time when investment should be coming to Bangladesh because it is leaving China and flooding out of China. “I know factories aren’t coming here right now…but it should come here. Political uncertainty makes it difficult for investment here. I’m sure they’ll underscore the message that political violence is not, not, not acceptable.”
Political Dialogue
Mozena said he is very optimistic about a way forward and the preliminary steps for a dialogue to resolve the prevailing political standoff.
“I’m hopeful that the parties will find a way forward sooner rather than later so that they can have a credible and free, fair polls… the progress is very slow.”
He said things are happening and people are talking to each other and trying to reach out each other. “So, these are little steps.”
Replying to another question, he said, “This is not 2006 and this not 2007. This is 2013, and very different circumstances. Bangladesh has the experience of 2006 and 2007. One takes lessons from experience.”
Asked about mediator to resolve crisis, Mozena said Bangladesh is the most sophisticated country and they do not need any one from outside to get involved in this process. “In terms of finding a way forward, only Bangladesh can do it.”
Mozena said the US believes that all players in the political arena have the right to express their views and opinions and it is the government’s role to facilitate and provide space needed for opposition and other entities to express their views in peaceful manner. “We believe it’s the responsibility of the opposition to do so in a peaceful manner.”
Labour Law
“I’ve seen a copy of the text of draft (amendment). I know there’re still some outstanding issues that need to be addressed,” Mozena said.
He hoped that the outstanding issues would be addressed. “The labour law text is still under discussion.”
GSP, Ticfa
On GSP issue, Mozena said: “It’s being evaluated right now.” Bangladesh has already conveyed its message to the US during Foreign Minister Dr Dipu Moni’s visit to Washington.
Responding to a question, he said: “Ticfa is Ticfa. It does only one thing. It establishes a forum between America and Bangladesh, and it will identify obstacles to increasing trade and investment and overcome those obstacles.”
Mentioning that the USA has Ticfa (Trade and Investment Cooperation Framework Agreement) with many countries like India, Nepal and Angola, the US ambassador said, “It’s not related to GSP.”
He said if it (Ticfa) is good to have this forum for Bangladesh, it can sign it. “If it’s not a good thing, Bangladesh should never sign it.”
Counterterrorism
Asked about the apprehension of terrorism and situation like Afghanistan in Bangladesh, the US envoy said, “Bangladesh has made a tremendous progress in countering violence, terrorism and extremism.
Textile Minister’s Letter
The US envoy advised the reporters to talk to the Minister concerned but said the information regarding many of the US states do not have right to trade union he said, “The information is inaccurate.”
He also said everybody in the US has the right of trade union.
Partnership Dialogue
The second Partnership Dialogue will focus on four areas: Development Cooperation and Governance; Trade and Investment; Security Cooperation; and Regional Integration.
“It’ll assess our partnership and discuss how it can be better with a strategic direction. We’ll be highlighting shared values,” Mozena said.
He said the relation between US and Bangladesh is now strong, and the dialogue is aimed at making it stronger, deeper and broader.
The US envoy said issues related to regional connectivity – Indo-Pacific Economic Corridor, relation with India and Myanmar, climate change, renewable energy, counter terrorism, extremism and food security, labour issues will also be discussed.
“They’ll be discussing how to ensure that the tragedies like Tazreen (Fashions) and Rana Plaza are not repeated and ensuring workers right to freely associate and organise with better safety in workplaces.”
He said there might be some important announcement on health, labour law and food security issues.
Mozena said US Under Secretary for Political Affairs Wendy R Sherman is coming with an impressive delegation to attend the second US-Bangladesh Partnership Dialogue-2013 and to hold talks with two major political parties.
“We hope Sherman will have meetings with the Prime Minister, Opposition leader Khaleda Zia and Foreign Minister Dr Dipu Moni.”
He said the US delegation will have over 10 officials, including US Assistant Secretary of State for Economic and Business Affairs Jose W Fernandez.
The Partnership Dialogue is the premier forum for further expanding and deepening bilateral cooperation on a wide range of bilateral and regional issues, including development, civil society and governance; trade and investment; security and countering violent extremism; science and technology; women’s empowerment and gender equality.
Source: UNB Connect
