Foreign-Affairs
FM assumes Chair of D-8 Council of Ministers
Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu has handed over the chairmanship of D-8 Council of Foreign Ministers to his Bangladesh counterpart Dr AK Abdul Momen.
Foreign Minister Dr Momen chaired the meeting in presence of the Foreign Ministers of the D-8 Member States on Wednesday.
As a preparatory meeting of the 10th D-8 Summit, D-8 Foreign Ministers met virtually at the 19th Session of the D-8 Council of Ministers.
At the onset of the meeting, he congratulated Turkish Foreign Minister for successfully completing his tenure as the Chair of the D-8 Council of Ministers.
Dr Momen also thanked the D-8 Secretary General for his proactive initiatives to foster the values of the D-8.
He informed the D-8 Foreign Ministers that Bangladesh successfully completed her Chairmanship for the period of 1999-2001, and Bangladesh will assume the Chairmanship of D-8 for the Second time after two decades.
Dr Momen informed that at this moment, Bangladesh is celebrating birth centenary of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and observing the Golden Jubilee of her independence.
At the same time, Bangladesh has fulfilled the UN criteria for graduating from LDC group of countries. Bangladesh is honoured to be the Chair of D-8 Council of Ministers at this historic moment, he added.
Dr. Momen stated that 19 percent of the total population of the D-8 countries is youth. Realising the necessity of exploring the untapped potential of the youth population at the age of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), Bangladesh proposed the theme of the 10th D-8 Summit as, “Partnership for a Transformative World: Harnessing the Power of Youth and Technology”, and look forward to work together with the D-8 Member States to support the youth of D-8 to tackle the challenges of the 4IR.
As the digital age demands manpower equipped with technology, and innovation driven skills, D-8 may take leadership to create job opportunities for the youth of D-8 as well as equip them with necessary skills so that they can actively contribute in the age of 4IR.
Referring to the initiatives taken by the government of Bangladesh in order to prevent further spread of Covid-19, as well as to address the economic challenges posed by the pandemic, Dr Momen proposed to create a D-8 digital marketplace, and formulate a suitable-for-all resilient post-pandemic cooperation model.
In order to recover from the detrimental impacts of Covid-19 on the world economy, he further urged the D-8 Member States to collaborate to explore the way out for economic recovery.
Bangladesh believes in a free and equitable access to markets for not only for products but also for services, the Foreign Minister added.
The Foreign Ministers of other D-8 Member States also delivered their statements.
The Secretary-General of D-8 thanked the Chair for hosting the meeting, and presented a report on the activities of the Organization since 2019.
The Council reviewed and discussed the initiatives taken by the Secretariat.
The Foreign Ministers adopted ”Dhaka Declaration 2021”, and “D-8 Decennial Roadmap for 2020-2030” which will get final approval at the 10th D-8 Summit to be held later this (Thursday) afternoon.
The Chair announced that Bangladesh will host the next D-8 Council of Ministers meeting in Dhaka in early 2022.
10th D-8 Summit today; Bangladesh to become chair for 2 years
Leaders of the D-8 countries will discuss ways to boost trade, investment, ICT, address climate challenges and Rohingya issue as its 10th Summit is set to be held this (Thursday) afternoon virtually.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will lead the Bangladesh delegation at the 10th D-8 Summit to be participated by the leaders of Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Nigeria, Pakistan and Turkey.
Also Read: 10th D-8 Summit today; Bangladesh to become chair for 2 years
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will hand over the Chairmanship of the D-8 to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
The theme of the D-8 Summit is “Partnership for a Transformative World: Harnessing the Power of Youth and Technology.”
The Summit, scheduled to begin at 3pm, is likely to adopt two documents “D-8 Decennial Roadmap 2020-2030” and “Dhaka Declaration 2021.”
Bangladesh is hosting the 10th D-8 (Developing-8) Summit virtually in the context of Covid-19 new normal scenario.
Also Read: 10th D-8 Summit: D-8 leaders to meet virtually Thursday
The Summit will put emphasis on strengthening intra-trade among D-8 member states and in that context will urge the member states to ensure benefits from the D8 Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) through its proper implementation.
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen on Wednesday said Bangladesh will take all the pragmatic initiatives to open new avenues of cooperation among the D-8 Member States with the aim of making this Group even more vibrant, active and effective.
In order to minimise the worsening effects of Covid-19 on the world economy, he said, Bangladesh wants to explore all the avenues for economic recovery through collaboration among the D-8 Member States.
"Bangladesh believes in a free and equitable access to markets for not only products but also services. It would obviously facilitate D-8 governments and private sectors to come together to highlight how D-8 Member States can deepen connectivity, networking and collaboration in light of experiences of the Covid-l9 era," Dr Momen said while addressing the D-8 19th Council of Ministers (COM) as Chair of the COM.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina attended the first D-8 Summit held in 1997 and Dhaka successfully hosted the second D-8 Summit in 1999.
The D-8 aims for Economic Cooperation to improve member states’ position in the global economy, to diversify and create new opportunities in trade relations, to enhance participation in decision-making at international level, and to improve standards of living.
Meanwhile, the 43rd Session of the D-8 Commission was held on April 5-6.
On April 5, D-8 Business Forum and first D-8 Youth Summit were held on the sidelines of the Summit.
Climate Challenge: Kerry due Friday to have discussions with Bangladesh
John Kerry, the United States Special Presidential Envoy for Climate, is scheduled to arrive here on Friday on a brief visit during which Bangladesh will convey its priority issues on the climate front.
Kerry, now in India on a four-day visit, will hand over the US President’s invitation to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in person to attend the "Leaders Summit on Climate" to be held on April 22 and 23 virtually.
Kerry is looking forward to "meaningful discussions" with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen and others during his stay in Dhaka on how to tackle the climate crisis.
"In Dhaka, Special Presidential Envoy Kerry will meet representatives from the government of Bangladesh and key development and international partners," a State Department spokesperson told UNB.
As the president of the Climate Vulnerable Forum and the Vulnerable Twenty Group of Finance Ministers, the spokesperson said, Bangladesh plays a leading role in combating climate change.
Also read: Leaders Summit on Climate: Kerry due Apr 9 to invite PM Hasina
Marcia Bernicat, US senior official for economic growth, energy and the environment, has said Bangladesh’s leadership in addressing climate change offers the United States – and the world – a great partner to tackle this climate crisis.
As president of the Climate Vulnerable Forum and the Vulnerable Twenty Group of Finance Ministers, she said, Bangladesh can make irreplaceable contributions towards a successful COP26.
As a climate vulnerable country, Bernicat said, Bangladesh will require significant climate adaptation and resilience, especially in view of its increasingly ambitious climate goals.
US companies are well placed to deliver many of the solutions Bangladesh will need to sustainably grow its economy, she said.
“Yes, we’re happy that he’s coming. We worked with him before, too,” Foreign Minister Dr Momen told UNB.
Also read: Climate-induced displacement a vital security issue for all: Kerry
US President Joe Biden has invited 40 world leaders, including Prime Minister Hasina, to the “Leaders' Summit on Climate” that he will host. The virtual summit will be live-streamed for public viewing.
The “Leaders Summit on Climate” will underscore the urgency – and the economic benefits – of stronger climate action. It will be a key milestone on the road to the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) this November in Glasgow.
“We’ll be happy to convey our priority issues. We’ll also share the steps that Bangladesh has taken so far,” Dr Momen said.
He said Bangladesh believes that adaptation is not enough and there has to be mitigation and Bangladesh needs support as promised by others. “It should be Kerry’s special target.”
Dr Momen said Bangladesh did not create the problem and those responsible countries should share responsibility of rehabilitating and protecting people from the river erosions.
Also read: Kerry invites Bangladesh to join US climate conference
President Biden has emphasised the challenge of climate change, stating, “The United States and the world face a profound climate crisis and by placing climate change at the centre of our foreign policy, diplomacy, and national security.”
During his recent meeting with Presidential Envoy on Climate John Kerry, Dr Momen discussed the global issue of climate change, and the possible US-Bangladesh collaboration in this connection.
The Foreign Minister recollected the vital contribution of Kerry towards the Paris Agreement on Climate Change and welcomed the decision of the US to return to the Paris Agreement.
He described various actions taken by the government of Bangladesh under the prudent leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on mitigation, adaptation and resilience.
Dr Momen also briefed John Kerry on all current and future activities of the Climate Vulnerable Forum (CVF) and the Global Centre on Adaptation (GCA) regional office in Dhaka.
Also read: Climate Change: Kerry discusses possible Bangladesh-US collaboration
Kerry recognised the extraordinary challenges faced by Bangladesh due to climate change and frequent natural disasters.
Agreeing that the international financial institutions could do more for the issue of climate change, he also opined that displacement due to climate change would be a vital security issue for everybody.
They agreed to work closely in the COP26 and other multilateral platforms in order to fulfil commitments under the Paris Climate Agreement and even go beyond Paris.
President Biden took action on his first day in office to return the US to the Paris Agreement.
Days later, on January 27, he announced that he would soon convene a leaders’ summit to galvanise efforts by the major economies to tackle the climate crisis.
FM calls for stronger global partnership to effectively tackle COVID-19
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen on Wednesday called for stronger global partnership and cooperation to effectively deal with the COVID-19 pandemic.
"All countries need to work together. It's essential to have stronger partnership and cooperation among countries to face COVID-19 situation," he said as the chief guest at the 5th episode of Bangabandhu Lecture Series held virtually marking birth centenary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
Dr Momen said people across the world need to get vaccinated to make the world free from coronavirus. "All countries need to work together to ensure equal access to vaccine," he said.
Also read: Dhaka seeks greater int'l solidarity, cooperation to tackle COVID-19 challenges
Former UN Under Secretary General Ambassador Anwarul K Chowdhury delivered keynote speech on the "Birth of Bangladesh and Its Inspirational Legacy in Global Diplomacy".
The Foreign Minister said they want to establish peace in the world in a sustainable way. Bangabandhu firmly believed that peace is a must for development and laid emphasis on peace and stability throughout his life.
"Bangabandhu and Bangladesh are inseparable," he said, noting that Bangabandhu had turned into a global leader by highlighting the problems faced by the oppressed people in the world. He said Bangabandhu ensured religious harmony in the society.
Also read: Coronavirus & Agenda 2030: Dhaka seeks meaningful global partnership
The Foreign Minister said all young diplomats need to read the speeches of Bangladesh’s founding father.
Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen spoke as special guest.
Diplomats stationed in Dhaka, Bangladesh envoys abroad, senior journalists and intellectuals joined the programme.
Dhaka to take pragmatic efforts to make D-8 "more vibrant, active, effective"
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen on Wednesday said Bangladesh will take all pragmatic initiatives to open new avenues of cooperation among the D-8 Member States with the aim of making this Group even more vibrant, active and effective.
In order to minimise the worsening effects of Covid-19 on the world economy, Dr Momen said, Bangladesh wants to explore all avenues for economic recovery through collaboration among the D-8 Member States.
Also Read: Bangladesh proposes postponement of Dhaka D8 Summit
"Bangladesh believes in a free and equitable access to markets for not only products but also services. It would obviously facilitate D-8 governments and private sectors to come together to highlight how D-8 Member States can deepen connectivity, networking and collaboration in light of experiences of the Covid-l9 era," he said.
The Foreign Minister was addressing the D-8 19th Council of Ministers (COM) as Chair of the COM.
Foreign Ministers of D-8 Member States including immediate past chair and Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu and D-8 Secretary General Ambassador Ku Jaffar Ku Shari joined.
Since the overall objective of the global organisation is to improve Member States’ life and livelihood situation through multiple approaches, Dr Momen hoped to create a D-8 digital marketplace, and create a suitable-for-all resilient post-pandemic cooperation model to ensure the common interests of all member states.
Also Read: DDhaka to host 10th D-8 Summit virtually in Dec or Jan
"As the whole world is experiencing an unprecedented global public health and economic crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, I personally feel the urge that, we, the D-8 Member States need to stand together more than ever," he said.
After chairing the D-8 Organisation for Economic Cooperation for two years during the period of 1999 – 2001, Bangladesh is going to hold the Chairmanship of the D-8 for the second time after two decades.
"This is happening at a time when we are celebrating the birth centenary of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and we are also observing the Golden Jubilee of our independence," he said.
Moreover, Dr Momen said, recently Bangladesh has fulfilled the UN criteria for graduating from the LDC Group of countries.
"We are indeed honoured and happy for having the opportunity of chairing the D-8 at this historic moment," he said.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will lead the Bangladesh delegation at the 10th D-8 Summit on Thursday to be participated by the leaders of Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Nigeria, Pakistan and Turkey.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will hand over the Chairmanship of the D-8 to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
The theme of the D-8 Summit is “Partnership for a Transformative World: Harnessing the Power of Youth and Technology” and the Summit will adopt two documents “D-8 Decennial Roadmap 2020-2030” and “Dhaka Declaration 2021.”
Bangladesh is hosting the 10th D-8 (Developing-8) Summit virtually in the context of COVID-19 new normal scenario that will focus on trade, investment, mineral resources, tourism, ICT, climate and Rohingya issues.
“These are the things we’ll try to focus on through dialogue and discussions,” said Foreign Minister Dr Momen.
He said they will seek support from all for a “durable solution” to the Rohingya crisis and address the challenges posed by climate change.
On trade issues, he said there is a lot of potential to boost trade among the D-8 member states which remained untapped.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina attended the first D-8 Summit held in 1997 and Dhaka successfully hosted the second D-8 Summit in 1999.
The D-8 aims for Economic Cooperation to improve member states’ position in the global economy, to diversify and create new opportunities in trade relations, to enhance participation in decision-making at international level, and to improve standards of living.
Meanwhile, the 43rd Session of the D-8 Commission was held on April 5-6.
On April 5, D-8 Business Forum and first D-8 Youth Summit were held on the sidelines of the Summit.
The Summit will put emphasis on strengthening of intra-trade among D-8 member states and in that context will urge the member states to ensure benefits from the D8 Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) through its proper implementation.
10th D-8 Summit: D-8 leaders to meet virtually Thursday
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will lead the Bangladesh delegation at the 10th D-8 Summit on Thursday to be participated by leaders of Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Nigeria, Pakistan and Turkey.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will hand over the D-8 Chairmanship to Prime Minister Hasina.
Before the Summit, the 19th D-8 Council of Ministers will be held virtually on Wednesday. Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen will lead the Bangladesh side.
The theme of the D-8 Summit is “Partnership for a Transformative World: Harnessing the Power of Youth and Technology” and the Summit will adopt two documents “D-8 Decennial Roadmap 2020-2030” and “Dhaka Declaration 2021”.
Also read: D-8 Youth Summit: Dhaka for achieving SDGs engaging youth
Bangladesh will host the 10th D-8 (Developing-8) Summit virtually in the context of COVID-19 new normal scenario that will focus on trade, investment, mineral resources, tourism, ICT, climate and Rohingya issues.
“These are the things we’ll try to focus on through dialogue and discussions,” said Foreign Minister Momen.
Dr Momen said they will seek support from all for a “durable solution” to the Rohingya crisis and address the challenges posed by climate change.
On trade issues, he said there is a lot of potential to boost trade among the D-8 member states which remained untapped.
Prime Minister Hasina attended the first D-8 Summit held in 1997 and Dhaka successfully hosted the second D-8 Summit in 1999.
Also read: Dhaka for promoting intra-trade, investment in innovation among D-8 members
Through the 10th Summit, Bangladesh will assume the chairmanship of D-8 for the term of two years from Turkey which will create a new avenue for Bangladesh to share its development success story globally and will help expand its relations with the outside world, Dr Momen said.
The D-8 aims for Economic Cooperation to improve the member states’ position in the global economy, to diversify and create new opportunities in trade relations, to enhance participation in decision-making at international level, and to improve standards of living.
Meanwhile, the 43rd Session of the D-8 Commission was held on April 5-6. On April 5, D-8 Business Forum and first D-8 Youth Summit were held on the sidelines of the Summit.
The Summit will put emphasis on strengthening of intra-trade among D-8 member states and in that context will urge the member states to ensure benefits from the D8 Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) through its proper implementation.
Covid vaccine: UNICEF emphasises speed, simplicity to remove barriers
UNICEF Executive Director Henrietta Fore has said they need speed and simplicity to remove barriers to the acquisition, manufacture and distribution of COVID-19 vaccines globally.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has made clear to us all that no one is safe until everyone is safe. But equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines is within our grasp," She said in a statement on Tuesday.
She said they have proven that the world can rally to do the unthinkable, and we need to do it again. "The sooner we do, the sooner our lives, and the lives of our children, will go back to normal.”
In a little over a year, the world’s scientists, businesses, governments, philanthropists and multilateral institutions rallied and did the unthinkable, Fore said.
They created vaccines to fight a virus that had brought the world to a standstill. And they tested, transported and began to administer those vaccines safely and in record time. "This is nothing short of astounding," she said.
“But the fight is not yet over,” Fore said. “Variants are emerging all over the world, and with each, the risk of a massive global setback."
Also read: Vaccine passports are latest flash point in COVID politics
At the current rate, there is simply not enough vaccine supply to meet demand. And the supply available is concentrated in the hands of too few.
Some countries have contracted enough doses to vaccinate their populations several times, while other countries have yet to receive even their first dose.
"This threatens us all. The virus and its mutations will win," Fore said.
In order to get ahead of the virus, and to shift gears, she said, they must build on a strategy of vaccinating frontline workers but drive towards a strategy that truly enables equitable access for all.
The governments, businesses and partners were urged to take three urgent actions:
First, simplify Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) through voluntary and proactive licensing by IPR holders.
Also read: UNICEF launches COVID-19 vaccine market dashboard to ensure fair access
But this alone won’t increase production. Unlike drug manufacture, vaccine production involves a complex manufacturing process with multiple components and steps.
IPR holders would need to provide technology partnerships to accompany IP licenses, proactively share know-how and sub-contract to manufacturers without undue geographic or volume restrictions.
This challenge requires not forced IP waivers but proactive partnership and cooperation. Recent manufacturing partnerships such as Pfizer-BioNtech; AZ-SII, J&J- Merck and J&J-Aspen are encouraging examples.
UNICEF urged others to follow suit, to increase the scale and geographic diversity of manufacturing capacity.
“While markets alone can’t guarantee innovation benefits all, voluntary licensing, pooled funds and multilateral mechanisms such as COVAX are an effective and realistic way for product developers and manufacturers to collaborate, innovate, and encourage equitable access," Fore said.
“Second, we need to end vaccine nationalism. Governments should remove direct and indirect export- and import-control measures that block, restrict or slow down exports of COVID-19 vaccines, ingredients and supplies. Viruses respect no borders. Defeating COVID-19 in each of our home countries also means defeating it around the world by ensuring a steady flow of vaccines and supplies to all."
Also read: UNICEF working with over 350 partners to deliver COVID-19 vaccines
Finally, Fore said, governments that have contracted to receive more ‘future doses’ than required to vaccinate their entire adult populations this year, should immediately loan, release or donate most or all excess contracted doses for 2021 to COVAX, so they can be allocated equitably among other countries.
“In addition, countries with a sufficient, current supply of manufactured doses should consider donating at least 5% of their available manufactured doses right away, and commit to making further contributions on a continued, rolling basis throughout the year, scaling up their contributions in line with rising supply. Confirming these dose-sharing commitments now will enhance predictability, accelerate equitable access, and help stabilise the global vaccine market."
Hasina seeks policy support from US to expand bilateral trade
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Tuesday stressed the need for having adequate policy support from the USA government to expand bilateral trade between the two countries.
“It’s important that both the countries provide adequate policy support to further expand bilateral trade,” she said while addressing the virtual launching of the US-Bangladesh Business Council in a pre-recorded video message.
The Prime Minister mentioned that Bangladesh buys a considerable amount of industrial raw materials and consumer items like cotton, soybean and wheat from the United States. “All these items enjoy zero tariff in Bangladesh,” she added.
Regarding development, she said the United States has remained as a strong partner in Bangladesh’s journey towards democracy and development. “It’s [US] the largest destination of our exports, the largest source of foreign direct investment, a longstanding development partner and an important source of technology and training.”
The Prime Minister said while Bangladesh’s dependence on foreign aid has come down substantially, the need for foreign direct investment increased to create jobs for millions of youths.
Also read: Will work together with Bangladesh, global partners against Covid-19 pandemic: Miller
D-8 Youth Summit: Dhaka for achieving SDGs engaging youth
State Minister for Foreign Affairs M Shahriar Alam has laid emphasis on an action plan that will map out strategies on how the power of D-8 youth will be harnessed in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and D-8 economic endeavors.
Also read:D-8 Summit on April 8; focus on trade, investment, Rohingya ...
"The aim of this first ever D-8 Youth Summit 2021 has been to ignite young minds and rekindle their aspirations to pursue the goal for a better world, where the benefits of development reach all," he said.
The State Minister made the remarks while addressing the "1st D-8 Youth Summit 2021" held virtually on Monday.
He said the opportunity and privilege of hosting the ‘1st D-8 Youth Summit 2021’ now, although in virtual platform, is of unique significance to Bangladesh.
"This not only allows us to demonstrate our commitments to the principles of the D-8 Charter, but also to strengthen our relations with our friends form the D-8 Member states," the State Minister said.
Dhaka for promoting intra-trade, investment in innovation among D-8 members
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen on Monday said D-8 Member States should leverage the commonalities and aim to promote intra-trade, investment in innovation; and minimise tariff and non-tariff barriers.
"We need common investment policies, guidelines, and strategies including diaspora investment opportunities; and work for minimising tariff and non-tariff barriers," he said at the "D-8 Business Forum" held virtually.
Also read:Bangladesh never supports country-specific, motivated issues ...
President of the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) Sheikh Fazle Fahim and President of Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey (TOBB) Rifat Hisarcıklıoglu also spoke.
The chairmanship of D-8 Chamber of Commerce and Industries (D-8 CCI) was handed over to the FBCCI from the TOBB.
Rifat Hisarcıklıoglu took over as the Chair of the D-8 CCI in 2017.
Bangladesh will assume the chairmanship of D-8 for the term of two years through the 10th Summit scheduled to be held on April 8. As part of the 10th Summit, Bangladesh also hosted the D-8 Youth Summit for the first time on Monday.
Dr Momen said they need to create funds for development, R&D, technology transfer, capacity building and support for institutions and centres of excellence, including the SME and blue economy sectors.
Also read:Bangladesh indomitable: FM
"We’d like to particularly stress on the area of innovation and mainstreaming them in our developmental strategy circuit," he said.
The D-8 Organisation for Economic Cooperation, also known as Developing-8, is an organisation for development co-operation among Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Nigeria, Pakistan, and Turkey.
Dr Momen said the total GDP of the D-8 Member States is around 4.9% of world GDP and the total population is around 15.3% of the world population. This is a manifestation of the region’s consumer base for both service and commodities along with its inherent growth potentials.
"To tap into that, I believe D-8 CCI could play the key role through effective collaboration and partnership with their government sector in addition to their own networking mechanism," Dr Momen said.
The Foreign Minister said today’s world is facing uncertainty in all aspects because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The UN has estimated that the global economy is expected to lose nearly $8.5 trillion in output over the next two years.
Also read:Singapore, Romania to recruit 12,000 Bangladeshis: FM
"It’s this unfortunate situation that has compelled us to hold this auspicious Business Forum virtually. At the same time, it’s on you, the leaders of business sector who have a special responsibility and challenge, to help the global economy turn around," Dr Momen said.
Through people centric leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Bangladesh has been able to balance between ‘life and livelihood’ to a great extent during this pandemic, he said.
Dr Momen said the government has adopted a series of stimulus packages worth of US$14.6 billion, which is around 4.44% of the GDP with a view to protecting the income of the poor, the vulnerable and helping the revival of economic activities.
He expressed his appreciation to the new Chair of the D-8 CCI, the FBCCI, and also to the immediate past Chair, the TOBB, for their laudable arrangements.
Dr Momen said the Secretary-General of the D-8 Secretariat deserves special appreciation for his sincere efforts and significant contribution.