Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus has emphasized Bangladesh’s push to become a sectoral dialogue partner of ASEAN, highlighting the country’s vast economic potential and untapped resources. “With over 170 million people, Bangladesh can provide ASEAN with a huge market and skilled workforce,” Yunus told Malaysia’s Bernama. “There are unexplored investment sectors, particularly in fisheries. Despite having access to a vast sea, Bangladesh has not tapped into deep-sea fishing. Partnering with Myanmar could open opportunities for joint ventures in this sector.” He noted that Bangladesh has been engaging with ASEAN since Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s Dhaka visit in October last year. “Some member states may raise objections, which will take time to resolve, but we will not give up. Our logic is strong—we are a neighboring country, and we already have supporters within ASEAN.”