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Bangladesh present keynote statement at UN |
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July 26, 2000
Dhaka (UNB) - Bangladesh has voiced concern as 48 least developed countries (LDCs) remained untouched by the unprecedented global growth and prosperity. Ambassador Anwarul Karim Chowdhury, Bangladesh Permanent Representative to the United Nations, made the remarks while delivering the keynote statement at the first preparatory committee meeting for the third UN Conference on LDCs in New York Monday. The third UN Conference on LDCs will be held in Brussels in May next, according to a message received here yesterday. Anwarul Karim, who is also the Coordinator of the LDCs, said in the last 10 years since the Paris Programme of Action the opportunities for LDCs have diminished, their risk increased and challenges become more complicated. He, however, expressed satisfaction over the recognition by all that something concrete and comprehensive needs to be done. The Bangladesh representative told the meeting that the LDCs carried out structural reforms and opened up their markets, but they got little access to the world agricultural markets and their textile products are still subject to duties and quotas. Focussing on the priorities of LDCs, he said LDCs aid programmes need a further boost while their debts need to be waived. Karim said foreign direct investment (FDI) has to be encouraged as the LDCs share now only 0.6 per cent of FDI’s global flow. The Bangladesh representative also emphasised duty free market access for LDCs’ and more focus on poverty alleviation. |