We think that Prime Minister’s visit to Japan and China — the top two economic superpowers of Asia — within less than two weeks is very important in view of the diplomatic aspects. But it is essential to discard the exterior pleasure of the visit and simultaneously evaluate what are actual achievements of Bangladesh.
During the prime minister’s visit to Beijing, five memorandums of understanding (MoUs) were signed. The deals include establishment of a coal-based ultra-critical power plant in Patuakhali, and the construction of tunnel in the Karnaphuli River in Chittagong.
Though the agreement on construction of the much talked about proposed deep seaport at Sonadia Island near Cox’s Bazar was expected to be signed during the visit, it got stuck at the last moment. As per a report published in Prothom Alo, Bangladesh did not agree to sign the agreement as the Chinese authorities tagged some conditions for signing the agreement.
During her visit, the prime minister stressed for balancing the trade gap between Bangladesh and China. She also urged the Chinese business leaders to invest more in Bangladesh. Trade and investment are correlated. To reduce the trade gap with China, it is essential to supply more items in China that have high demand there. Besides, the electricity supply facility and infrastructure development should be ensured to attract the investors.
We have been increasing our partnership of strategic cooperation with the economic superpowers like China, Japan and the USA. By not confessing the necessity of this strategic cooperation, we need to evaluate whether we are being benefited from this. While establishing the bilateral relationship in the present complex and disputed world, Bangladesh nevertheless cannot be the third force’s target of suspicion. The give and take policy is necessary for bilateral cooperation. Besides, the issue of maintaining the balance of relationship is not less important.
We want to establish cooperative and friendly relationships with all the nations, including the neighbouring ones.
But if the cooperation is built based on implementing development projects, it is essential that questions will rise in the minds of the people.
To change the widespread observation that mega projects earn much more commission, we have to raise our attention towards foreign investment rather than foreign loans. And political stability is the precondition in this regard.
Japan had raised its objections over the controversial national elections of January 5. But the assurance of loans and cooperation by the China that had backed the elections are less in comparison to the assurance of loans and cooperation by Japan. It is needed to scrutinise whether we had any lacking in our diplomatic efforts in this regard.
Source: Prothom Alo
