The theme chosen by you for the 3rd International Conference of Asian Political Parties is “Exchanges, Cooperation, Development”. These are indeed the basic elements of successful regional cooperation. Our discussion at this conference will no doubt throw much light on our path and enhance the opportunities for fruitful cooperation for the mutual benefit of the countries of the region. I have noted with interest that you have invited discussion of the topics of regional security and multilateral cooperation, economic growth and social progress and political party building and national development. To my mind, all these topics are interrelated. Strong political parties with grass roots support and sound policies will enable the countries of the region to attain high economic growth. Such countries will be better placed to forge regional cooperation. An environment of cooperation, as we all know, is essential to promote security and economic and social progress. The conclusions that will emerge at this conference will be most useful in providing the Asian countries with guidelines for strengthening regional economic and social cooperation.

The Bangladesh Awami League is the largest and oldest political party of my country. Established in 1949 the party has championed the hopes and aspirations of the people of Bangladesh. My party has led the people in their struggle against exploitation, repression and mobilized them to fight for their inalienable rights of freedom and independence. Under the inspiring leadership of the Father of the Nation Bangabondhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the Awami League organized and united the people and fought the Liberation War and founded the People’s Republic of Bangladesh. We are proud of our achievements but we are not content to sit on our laurels. The party is committed to ensuring the economic and social emancipation of the people. Great strides were taken in every field under the leadership of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina during the period 1996 to 2001. Rapid economic growth, progress in health, education and infrastructure led to the rapid decline in poverty. That was also the time when much progress was made in strengthening regional cooperation. The Asian Parliamentary Union was established at the initiative of Sheikh Hasina’s Government. In this connection I have much pleasure in acknowledging Chinese investment in Bangladesh in a number of fields including the fields of energy, power and telecommunications. We look forward to even greater cooperation between our countries in the years ahead.

The only sound basis of regional and international cooperation is respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of every nation, non-interference in each other’s affairs. We welcome globalization but not at the cost of national sovereignty and independence. Indeed, globalization cannot be a one way traffic but it has to ensure that rich and poor alike benefit from the measures undertaken in the name of globalization.

In our view, regional cooperation can strengthen security by ensuring mutual support and solidarity. We in Bangladesh fervently believe in peace. We hope this conference will voice its strong support for peace among the countries and for peaceful resolution on all disputes. As a member of the United Nations we are fully committed to the great principles enshrined in the Charter. If only all the countries would respect the principles of the Charter, global peace and prosperity can be attained and maintained.

The growing globalization accentuated by the unprecedented pace of progress of science and technology, especially, the communication and information technology has led to stronger interdependence among nations and economies and to enhanced international integration. Countries, members of the global community, taking advantage of unfettered trade in goods and services and of more liberal capital flows, are also directly and continuously engaging with one another at all levels and in every dimension. The strengths and excellence of each nation are in constant interaction with that of the other thereby nurturing and enhancing themselves. In this context we, in the Asian regime should also join hands as potential partners for equitable mutual benefits and explore every available avenue to that end. While this partnership may be nurtured and enhanced at the Government level, the political parties can strengthen it through continuous cooperative contacts among themselves. This is especially because of their grass roots nature and because of the beneficial influence they can bring to bear upon those who make decisions for and on behalf of their peoples.

Thus I view globalization as offering enormous opportunities for the Asian countries, especially for the developing Asian countries.