Dhaka, Dec 29 (bdnews24.com) – Foreign minister Dipu Moni on Thursday sought to scotch the perception that Bangladesh pursues an India-centric foreign policy.
"India is our next-door neighbour. Geographically, economically and politically it is very important for Bangladesh but that does not mean we neglect other countries and forums," she told journalists at her office.
Export, import, manpower service export, climate change, UN activities and many other issues are part of the foreign policy and the foreign ministry is actively engaged in those areas, she said.
"US and Europe are the biggest export destinations while Bangladesh is the major importers of Chinese and Indian goods," she said.
"Middle East and South East Asia are major source of Bangladeshi manpower recruitment and my ministry is party to all these issues."
"Bangladesh has its biggest ever engagement in the United Nations and we have representation on the boards of 42 or 43 UN bodies," she said adding, "There are many issues covered in the UN bodies."
"We have robust presence in the peacekeeping force and are vocal about impact of climate change," she added.
TIPAIMUKH ISSUE
Bangladesh has a very clear position on the proposed Tipaimukh project in India, the minister said.
"We want a joint study on the project to find out if it has any adverse impact on Bangladesh," Moni said.
If it is found that it would be harmful, Bangladesh would take whatever action is needed against it. But, she explained, if it is found that it would be useful for Bangladesh, then the government would take necessary action according to the survey report.
NORTH KOREA
Bangladesh has diplomatic relationship with North Korea and it can invest like any other nation, Dipu Moni said as she responded to a question about the communist state's possible investment in energy sector.
"We have the Board of Investment to look after foreign investment issues and it will act according to its rules," she said.
COUNTER-TERRORISM
The foreign minister said Bangladesh is promoting counterterrorism "nationally, regionally and internationally" to combat threats of terrorism.
"We have enacted laws on counterterrorism and terrorist financing."
Steps have been taken to strengthen administration to enforce the laws, she said.
"Drug, arms and human trafficking are also part of terrorism," she said, "If there is any gap legal instruments will be formulated."
FOOD SECURITY
The minister said a slew of measures are being taken to ensure food security of the country.
"We are working on contract farming in Africa and other areas."
CLIMATE CHANGE
Bangladesh is one of the countries worst affected by extreme weathers because of climate change and it is very vocal about it, according to Dipu Moni.
"Bangladesh is working with all vulnerable countries in different parts of the world to promote a voice against climate change," she said.
TIFCA
The minister said negotiations are on-going to conclude trade and investment frame cooperation agreement with the US.
"There is one or two areas which we need to work out and we expect to conclude the agreement protecting the national interest."
AMBASSADOR VACANCY
When her attention was drawn to that fact that no ambassadors have been appointed to Japan and South Africa for some months, she said there is a process to appoint ambassador to a certain country and it takes four to six months.
The Japan post has been vacant for about five months and the one in South Africa for about a year but both the countries are prospective destinations for exporting local products including readymade garment.
"The government is going to have presence in Latin America by reopening mission in Brazil and opening one in Mexico."
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