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This year marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Australia and Bangladesh. During that time, Bangladesh has transformed itself from the global poster-child of poverty into an emerging middle power in Asia. Its economy is outpacing many of its neighbours, including India, Pakistan and Myanmar. Bangladesh's meteoric rise creates significant economic and strategic opportunities for itself and Australia.
To Bangladesh, Australia presents significant trade and investment opportunities in ready-made garments, Liquid Natural Gas (LNG), agriculture and food. To Australia, Bangladesh serves as a strong entry point into the South Asian markets, as it begins to expand beyond East Asia due to growing tensions with China. Cooperation between the two countries will also be essential to address common concerns and shared security interests on matters such as climate change, maritime security, terrorism and transnational crime.
Bangladesh has been seeking to maintain a balance and strategic neutrality among competing groupings in a fast-changing geo-strategic landscape in the Indian Ocean region. A pacific, neutral and middle economic power Bangladesh could be a potential partner of other middle power countries in the region to safeguard stability and promote rules based regional order.
How can Bangladesh and Australia improve their strategic relationship? How will the recently signed Trade and Investment Framework Arrangement (TIFA) impact two-way trade and investment between Australia and Bangladesh? And how can Bangladesh and Australia work together to ensure a peaceful and prosperous Indian Ocean region?
In partnership with the Bangladesh High Commission and DFAT Victoria State Office, AIIA Victoria invites you to join a keynote address from H.E. Mr. Mohammad Sufiur Rahman, followed by a panel discussion with Dr. David Brewster, Dr. Lailufar Yasmin and Mr. Mohammad Chowdhury. The discussion will be moderated by Dr. Mike Moignard.
This event is open to all and will also be streamed online via Zoom. Registrations close on Tuesday 21 June at 2.30pm AEST, after which you will receive a follow-up email containing details of how to join the Zoom webinar. The event will commence at 5:30pm AEST (Melbourne time, UTC+10).
AIIA Victoria gratefully acknowledges the Walter Mangold Trust Fund for its ongoing support of our young members.
