PM seeks ASEM partners` investment in Bangladesh`s climate projects

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has sought investment from the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) partners in Bangladesh's long-term climate projects such as Delta Plan.

"I invite all interested ASEM partners to invest in projects under our long-term Bangladesh Delta Plan and Mujib Climate Prosperity Plan," she said.

The prime minister said this in a video message aired in the two-day 13th virtual ASEM Summit streaming from Phnom Penh, Cambodia, starting from November 25.

She also called upon Asia and Europe to work in unison to mobilize finances and technology to effectively fight climate change.

Marking ASEM's 25th anniversary, the summit brought together the leaders of the European and Asian member countries, the EU and the ASEAN Secretariat.

The overall theme of ASEM13 is "Strengthening multilateralism for shared growth".

Cambodia currently holds the rotating ASEM presidency.

Sheikh Hasina said Asia and Europe must join hands for mobilizing finances and technology to combat climate change, adding, "We need multilateral cooperation now more than ever for our shared and sustainable development."

She said the advanced and industrialized economies need to raise their climate ambitions beyond COP26, urging them not to shift responsibilities that may otherwise hamper "our own economic growth take-off."

The prime minister said that Bangladesh aspires to become a regional connectivity hub, with potential benefits for its neighbours.

Bangladesh also offers to be one of the bridges in the EU-Asia Connectivity Strategy, she said.

"We welcome Europe's engagements in sub-regional connectivity projects in railways and roads," she continued.

Mentioning that our shared growth pursuits need to be supported by sound international security cooperation, the premier said regional platforms like ASEAN Regional Forum should help foster real-time cooperation in counter-trafficking, maritime and cyber security, and fighting terrorism.

BSS