It is true that the grouping is in its infancy and that, for instance, free trade is not envisaged within the grouping until 2017. Nevertheless, early signs have been positive, and it is encouraging to see that the government is wor-king hard to make the most of our geographic position as the bridge between South and South-East Asia.

For Bangladesh, the principle benefit of the BIMSTEC grouping has been the opportunity it has provided for better ties to Myanmar and Thailand. We already have ties to the remaining countries in the grouping courtesy of Saarc. Myanmar is an obvious market for Bangladeshi goods, and the better relations that being part of a regional grouping will bring are desirable.

Thailand is already a big trading partner of Bangladesh and the economy has greatly benefited from Thai investment and technical assistance in recent years. The proposal to build an elevated expressway for Dhaka with Thai investment and expertise is only one example of the dividends to be reaped from enhancing the relationship between the two countries.

Regional trade pacts that put economics above politics offer the best hope for sustained and equitable economic growth. Bangladesh is in the enviable position of being part of two of the most dynamic of these regional groupings. It is true that there exists asymmetry within the groupings, and that much work needs to be done to ensure that the measures agreed to are of benefit to all the member countries, but with cooperation as the goal, there is no reason why these groupings cannot lead to a win-win outcome for their constituents.

Bangladesh's membership in BIMSTEC is an opportunity for growth, and the government should make every effort to ensure that we are able to maximise the benefits of membership.