Free flow of capital, tech and labour needed within NAM: Momen

Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen has said free mobility of capital, technology and labour can ensure socio-economic prosperity of members of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM).

Addressing the 60th anniversary of NAM in Serbian capital Belgrade, the minister also said that it is imperative for the membership to put less restriction on mobility of resources to help boost economic growth, reduce poverty and a more equitable distribution of income to achieve the major goals of SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals).

“NAM should allow free mobility of capital, technology and labour within its membership to ensure socio-economic prosperity,” said Momen, reads a press release issued on Tuesday.

Referring to the life-long struggle of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman for ensuring equality, humanity and justice, Momen reiterated the strong conviction of Bangladesh to the founding principles of the NAM.

“Our peace-centric foreign policy echoes the very spirit of Non-Aligned Movement,” the foreign minister continued.

Stressing the relevance of NAM, he highlighted the emerging challenges such as, climate change, terrorism, violence etc that warrant collective action by the NAM members.

The basic rights of human beings are still unmet in many parts of the world, the minister added.

He highlighted the long persecution of the Rohingyas in Myanmar which call for an urgent action.

Expressing disappointment at the global inequalities in access to Covid-19 vaccine, Momen said, “Our remarkable progress in vaccine development failed to contain the deadly virus due to vaccine nationalism and vaccine politicisation.”

He urged the global community to address the Covid vaccine gap immediately by treating those as global public goods, according to the statement.

Momen called upon the NAM countries to work together towards post-pandemic sustainable recovery and proposed to strengthen South-South and triangular cooperation, including through establishment of a forum of Ministers of Foreign, Finance and Development of the global south.

“The forum will provide a platform to explore potentials of the southern countries and share experience, expertise, technology and resources to promote sustainable development.”

Foreign Minister Momen is leading a Bangladesh delegation to the 60th anniversary event of the NAM being held on October 11-12.

President of Ghana, prime minister of Algeria, foreign and other ministers of different NAM countries, including Indonesia, Nepal, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, India, Iraq, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Zimbabwe, Uganda, Gabon, Gambia, Sudan, Haiti, Angola, Palestine, and high-level representatives of over 70 countries are attending the meeting.

The meeting is co-chaired by the president of Azerbaijan and the president of Serbia.

The UN secretary general and the president of the 76th session of the UNGA also spoke at the occasion.