Momen seeks US involvement in Bangladesh’s blue economy

Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen has urged United States to invest in the country’s blue economy saying it would enable simultaneously to have its stake in the Indo-pacific region. “Join our blue economy, do activities there (Bay of Bengal) . . . and later you can monitor Indo-Pacific from there (Bay of Bengal),” he told a media briefing last night, a day after an interaction with US lawmakers, senate majority leader Chuck Schumer and influential republican congressman Steve Chabot.

The foreign minister said Bangladesh and the US share similar visions for the free, open, connected, prosperous, secure and resilient Indo-Pacific region. “I have seen a upbeat mood among the US lawmakers and administration officials regarding Bangladesh,” he said adding that. 

Momen added that he was very happy about the outcomes of his visit and called the tour “very useful” as “he reached out” of the US side with true and positive facts and figures of Bangladesh. The minister earlier on April 4 held bilateral talks with US secretary of state Antony Blinken.

The minister’s comments came days after US ambassador in Dhaka Peter Haas said Washington wants to work with Bangladesh and other partners in the Indo-pacific region to ensure that the region’s seas and skies are governed and used according to international law. The foreign minister is now in Washington to join celebration of 50th anniversary of bilateral ties.

   

During his meeting with US lawmakers, the foreign minister also demanded repatriation of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s convicted killer Rashed Chowdhury who is now residing in the US.  The foreign minister also informed about the Bangladesh democratic process and newly formed election commission.

The foreign minister also urged more US investment in Bangladesh especially in the pharmaceuticals sector as the US can provide medicine to its people in more affordable price. “I told them (lawmakers), now it is time for USA to involve more with investment in Bangladesh,” Dr Momen said.