Inaugural Remarks by Mr. A Gitesh Sarma, Additional Secretary, Ministry of External Affairs

3^rd BCIM-EC JSG Meeting

(25-26 April 2017; Kolkata)

Inaugural Remarks by Mr. A Gitesh Sarma, Additional Secretary, Ministry of External Affairs

Excellencies,

Ladies and gentlemen,

Friends.

Let me extend a very warm welcome to all of you, and in particular to our friends from Bangladesh, China and Myanmar. I am delighted to be amongst you.

It is my great pleasure to speak at this 3^rd Meeting of the Bangladesh-China-India-Myanmar Economic Corridor Joint Study Group (BCIM-EC JSG) here at Kolkata. After the first two rounds of the Joint Study Group (JSG) hosted by China and Bangladesh in Kunming in 2013 and Cox’s Bazaar in 2014 respectively, we are happy to host the third meeting of JSG in Kolkata.

Though it has taken some time since the last meeting to organize the third meeting of the JSG, it has nevertheless given time to all sides to further develop their ideas, find more areas for cooperation, and consolidate their respective efforts for compilation of the Joint Study Report in a substantive and in-depth manner.

Since its establishment, this JSG has contributed to a serious and comprehensive study to explore potential for cooperation between our four countries to strengthen connectivity in the BCIM region for closer economic, trade and people-to-people linkages through the development of a BCIM Economic Corridor (BCIM EC). We look forward to a productive discussion during the course of this JSG meeting to advance our joint efforts to strengthen collaboration and cooperation in this direction. 

I am pleased that we are hosting this JSG meeting in the historic city of Kolkata. Kolkata is not only the hub of all developmental activities in the Eastern part of India, but is also one of the important nodes for strengthening connectivity in the BCIM region.

While we have gathered to study the potential of BCIM connectivity, I wish to also refer to our Government’s Act East Policy, which envisages expanding cooperation with an aim to achieve mutual development and prosperity in our shared region. The ongoing efforts of our Government to push for increased economic growth and development of all part of India, including the regions in theEastern and the North Eastern parts of India, syncs thoroughly with our Act East Policy. Eastern part of India provides a natural bridge for connectivity with East Asia. We hope that greater linkage of the Eastern India with Bangladesh, China and Myanmar will bring mutually beneficial results for our four countries as well as for our region.

     Our four countries are located in the same neighborhood and share commonalities in terms of history and culture. Increased integration and connectivity in the region will play a significant      role in strengthening cooperation among the BCIM countries to achieve respective development objectives.

    However, I wish to also flag for your consideration that even as we explore greater connectivity between BCIM countries, we should be mindful of different domestic circumstances and             developmental aspirations in our respective countries. While forging ahead on our respective developmental paths, our four countries at present at different levels of developments, and    this  should be an important consideration while we engage in mutually beneficial areas for cooperation.

Increased connectivity would naturally lead to expanded trade. However, while we focus on expanding trade volumes, equal attention should also be paid to its sustainability. Greater access to each other’s markets is desirable to achieve more viable and sustainable trade cooperation in our region. This would not only provide a solid platform for regional integration but would create a conducive atmosphere for promoting greater connectivity in the region.

I am sure that all delegations are aware of the complexities of the issues and at the same time confident of finding practical mutually beneficial areas of cooperation for realizing greater integrations in our region.

We stand for greater cooperation and exchanges between the countries of in the region. Sub-regional cooperation in formats such as BCIM complements with our Act East Policy. We look forward to strengthening linkages in our region for greater mutual benefit for our respective peoples. I wish you all well for fruitful discussions during the course of the JSG meeting.

Thank you.