The second US-Bangladesh Partnership Dialogue begins here on Sunday to
discuss key issues like security cooperation and the current political
uncertainty that has made the investment climate in Bangladesh difficult,
said US Ambassador Dan Mozena. “Yes, this (political issue) is a very much part of the Partnership
Dialogue. We’re friends, and friends talk to each other and that’s exactly
what’s happening in partnership dialogue,” Mozena said confirming that the
political issue will be there on the table for discussion on Wednesday.
The US envoy said this at a crowded press conference at the American Center
in the city. US Embassy’s Press and Information Officer Kerry S McCarthy
was also present.
Ambassador Mozena said this is the time when investment should be coming to
Bangladesh because it is leaving China and flooding out of China. “I know
factories aren’t coming here right now…but it should come here. Political
uncertainty makes it difficult for investment here. I’m sure they’ll
underscore the message that political violence is not, not, not acceptable.”
Political Dialogue: Mozena said he is very optimistic about a way
forward and the preliminary
steps for a dialogue to resolve the prevailing political standoff.
“I’m hopeful that the parties will find a way forward sooner rather than
later so that they can have a credible and free, fair polls… the progress
is very slow.”
He said things are happening and people are talking to each other and
trying to reach out each other. “So, these are little steps.”
Replying to another question, he said, “This is not 2006 and this not 2007.
This is 2013, and very different circumstances. Bangladesh has the
experience of 2006 and 2007. One takes lessons from experience.”
Asked about mediator to resolve crisis, Mozena said Bangladesh is the most
sophisticated country and they do not need any one from outside to get
involved in this process. “In terms of finding a way forward, only
Bangladesh can do it.”
Mozena said the US believes that all players in the political arena have
the right to express their views and opinions and it is the government’s
role to facilitate and provide space needed for opposition and other
entities to express their views in peaceful manner. “We believe it’s the
responsibility of the opposition to do so in a peaceful manner.”
Labour Law: “I’ve seen a copy of the text of draft (amendment). I know
there’re still
some outstanding issues that need to be addressed,” Mozena said.
He hoped that the outstanding issues would be addressed. “The labour law
text is still under discussion.”
GSP, Ticfa: On GSP issue, Mozena said: “It’s being evaluated right
now.” Bangladesh has
already conveyed its message to the US during Foreign Minister Dr Dipu
Moni’s visit to Washington.
Responding to a question, he said: “Ticfa is Ticfa. It does only one thing.
It establishes a forum between America and Bangladesh, and it will identify
obstacles to increasing trade and investment and overcome those obstacles.”
Mentioning that the USA has Ticfa (Trade and Investment Cooperation
Framework Agreement) with many countries like India, Nepal and Angola, the
US ambassador said, “It’s not related to GSP.”
He said if it (Ticfa) is good to have this forum for Bangladesh, it can
sign it. “If it’s not a good thing, Bangladesh should never sign it.”
Counterterrorism: Asked about the apprehension of terrorism and
situation like Afghanistan in
Bangladesh, the US envoy said, “Bangladesh has made a tremendous progress
in countering violence, terrorism and extremism.
Textile Minister’s Letter: The US envoy advised the reporters to talk
to the Minister concerned but
said the information regarding many of the US states do not have right to
trade union he said, “The information is inaccurate.”
He also said everybody in the US has the right of trade union.
Partnership Dialogue: The second Partnership Dialogue will focus on
four areas: Development
Cooperation and Governance; Trade and Investment; Security Cooperation; and
Regional Integration.
“It’ll assess our partnership and discuss how it can be better with a
strategic direction. We’ll be highlighting shared values,” Mozena said.
He said the relation between US and Bangladesh is now strong, and the
dialogue is aimed at making it stronger, deeper and broader.
The US envoy said issues related to regional connectivity – Indo-Pacific
Economic Corridor, relation with India and Myanmar, climate change,
renewable energy, counter terrorism, extremism and food security, labour
issues will also be discussed.
“They’ll be discussing how to ensure that the tragedies like Tazreen
(Fashions) and Rana Plaza are not repeated and ensuring workers right to
freely associate and organise with better safety in workplaces.”
He said there might be some important announcement on health, labour law
and food security issues.
Mozena said US Under Secretary for Political Affairs Wendy R Sherman is
coming with an impressive delegation to attend the second US-Bangladesh
Partnership Dialogue-2013 and to hold talks with two major political
parties.
“We hope Sherman will have meetings with the Prime Minister, Opposition
leader Khaleda Zia and Foreign Minister Dr Dipu Moni.”
He said the US delegation will have over 10 officials, including US
Assistant Secretary of State for Economic and Business Affairs Jose W
Fernandez.
The Partnership Dialogue is the premier forum for further expanding and
deepening bilateral cooperation on a wide range of bilateral and regional
issues, including development, civil society and governance; trade and
investment; security and countering violent extremism; science and
technology; women’s empowerment and gender equality. (Source: UNB)
