“Growth without equity neither meaningful nor sustainable” - President at BIMST-EC
[July 31, 2004 - 3.00 GMT]

“As leaders, we have to be mindful of the wishes of our peoples. We must ensure that the fruits of globalization and regional economic cooperation reach the village and every nook and corner of our countries,” said President Chandrika Kumaratunga addressing the BIMST-EC Summit, Bangkok this morning.

Seven Heads of Government from South and South East Asia – Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Bhutan and Nepal met at this Summit to manifest their commitment to a regional group initiated by Thailand.

President Kumaratunga welcomed Bhutan and Nepal who joined the grouping for the first time at this meeting.

With the inclusion of Nepal and Bhutan the acronym would now stand for Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi Sectoral Technical and Economic Corporation (BIMST-EC).

“Growth without equity, where its benefits do not reach the periphery will neither be meaningful nor sustainable,” said the Sri Lankan President.

She also emphasized the promotion of Small and Medium Scale Enterprises adding that they are important in providing the basis for economic prosperity and social progress to the rural masses.

“I hope this message will emerge loud and clear from the first-ever Summit of our Group,” President Kumaratunga concluded.
 

Full text of the speech

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Last Updated Date: July 31, 2004  - 3.00 GMT.