Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Dinesh Trivedi on Monday met Bangladesh Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir and called for strengthening business-to-business relations between the two countries.
Call for stronger business ties
Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Trivedi said, “Let us have business-to-business together. Politics will continue in its own way, but it is our responsibility to deliver what people deserve. I have no doubt that the future is very positive. Let things take their own time, and let us work together for the people of both countries.”
Drawing a comparison between the two countries, the High Commissioner said Bangladesh is a vibrant, sovereign and independent country, just as India is.
“Nobody is big and nobody is small. We are all equals, and we have to work on that footing,” Dhaka Tribune quoted him as saying.
Focus on peace and prosperity
Highlighting the importance of peace and prosperity, Trivedi said prosperity would follow if peace could be ensured.
“I think it is the responsibility of both countries to ensure peace and prosperity for the young generation,” Trivedi said.
The envoy said ordinary citizens do not seek much beyond the basic necessities of life, with peace being their foremost concern.
Decisions must consider the poorest
Citing Mahatma Gandhi, the High Commissioner said leaders must ensure that every decision they take takes into account its impact on the poorest sections of society.
Trivedi also called for greater exploration of joint-venture opportunities in Bangladesh, including projects in border regions.
Private sector’s role highlighted
Emphasising the importance of strengthening economic and people-to-people ties, the High Commissioner recently said at a reception that the private sector has a key role to play in bridging differences between the two countries.
He said governments alone cannot provide everything and must rely on the private sector, while expressing appreciation for the business communities of both nations.
