The D-8 countries on Thursday agreed to explore the possibilities of developing and enhancing transport connectivity among D-8 Member States to facilitate trade and investment, including the intra-D-8 trade. “There’s a lot of opportunities and possibilities. We’ll take initiatives to boost trade and investment and create jobs,” Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen told reporters at a virtual press conference after the 10th Summit. State Minister for Foreign Affairs M Shahriar Alam and Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen were present. Dr Momen said they believe that trade and investment among the D-8 countries will be increased through cooperation.   The Summit adopted two documents – “Dhaka Declaration 2021”, and “D-8 Decennial Roadmap for 2020-2030.” Dr Momen said the D-8 leaders commended and supported the idea of the government of Bangladesh to engage the youth and ensure their participation in the new reality of 4IR through hosting the first-ever D-8 Youth Summit. Also read: D-8 Summit: Hasina for building a better future together If nurtured properly, the demographic asset of more than 50 percent of the D-8 populace under 24 years of age could become the fulcrum that boosts up economic growth of the Member States, according to Dhaka Declaration 2021.  

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Thursday said it is now more important than ever to work together for building a better future. “... the world is now passing through a critical period. The Covid-19 pandemic has created havoc on the global economy. It’s now more important than ever to work unitedly for building back better [future],” she said while delivering her closing remarks at the 10th D-8 virtual Summit as the new D-8 Chair. Bangladesh hosted the summit virtually participated by leaders of Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Nigeria, Pakistan and Turkey. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan delivered the opening remarks as the current Chair of D-8 and handed over the D-8 Chairmanship to Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Also read: PM Hasina for harnessing potential of youths Sheikh Hasina, a founding member of the organisation, has taken over the charge as the D-8 Chair for the next two years for the second time. Sheikh Hasina said hearing statements and suggestions from the D-8 leaders she felt hopeful and confident that working together, the D-8 can create a better tomorrow for the one billion-plus people in the Member States.

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.