Dhaka wants to see IORA as tool for maritime cooperation
UNB
Bangladesh has said it sees the action plan of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) as a new avenue to make the organisation a vehicle for maritime cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region, reports UNB. Bangladesh is deeply committed to implementing and integrating the IORA Concord in her national development paradigm. The flagship initiatives are highly aligned with the development policies of Bangladesh, said Foreign Minister AH Mahmood Ali.
He made the remarks while addressing the Council of Ministers (COM) of the IORA in Jakarta, Indonesia on Monday, according to a message received in Dhaka.
The Foreign Minister said they expect the Concord and the IORA Plan of Action to outline means and methods to realise the mandate of the IORA charter and also to be flexible enough to adapt to the changing scenarios.
He called upon the fellow members to formulate and implement projects for economic co-operation relating to trade facilitation and liberalisation, promotion of foreign investment, scientific and technological exchanges and tourism with special and preferential arrangements for LDCs and SIDS of the region.
It will help provide maximum opportunities to develop shared interests, wider networks and reap mutually beneficial results, Mahmood Ali said. He said through sustained dialogue and cooperation, IORA has gathered strength and now playing an important role as key driving force to ensure peace, development and stability in the region.
Were happy to see that IORA is taking resolute steps in the right direction as we gathered here to attend the first-ever summit on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of IORA, he added.
In order to enhance the trade and investment facilitation, the Foreign Minister said, they need to consider liberalisation of the visa regime and enhance land, air and maritime connectivity, including revitalising the Indian Ocean Rim Business Forum, reducing the trade barriers within the region, to realise its modern adaptation. To this end, he appreciated IORAs initiative to introduce IORA Business Travel Card (IBTC) for the businessmen of this region to enhance economic integration among the member countries.
To promote sustainable and responsible fisheries management and development, IORA should adopt joint capacity-building projects and information sharing on aquaculture to address food security and IUU fishing in the Indian Ocean region, said the Foreign Minister.
Mentioning that women are the backbone of Bangladesh economy, its society and its political culture, he said, We welcome the initiatives of the IORA in establishing womens business forum and strengthening womens economic capacity and participation in business.
He said the IORA should develop a number of centres of excellence and resilience for effective disaster management.
We believe that IORA should initiate necessary steps in forging greater cooperation in areas of marine fisheries, shipping, sea-bed exploration and renewable energy towards achieving a sustainable Blue Economy in the region, Mahmood Ali said.
