Indo-Pacific region faces new challenges: US envoy

The Indo-Pacific region is facing new technological, environmental and security challenges, said US Ambassador to Bangladesh Earl R Miller after concluding his three-day visit to Sylhet.

Miller made the comment while addressing a press briefing held at the conference hall of the DC office in Sylhet on Wednesday, shortly after meeting Sylhet Divisional Commissioner Mustafizur Rahman. 

"At a time when the Indo-Pacific region is facing new technological, environmental and security challenges, the United States and Bangladesh need to work together to sustain an open investment environment and a level-playing field for companies and to reinforce the principles and values that made possible Bangladesh's remarkable growth," Miller told reporters.

He added that his country is working with Bangladesh to address the issue of human trafficking and to increase access to services for trafficking survivors.

Ambassador Miller said that American companies such as Chevron play a key role not only in Bangladesh's energy sector, but also as a major employer in its growing economy. He also congratulated Chevron on being the largest producer of natural gas in Bangladesh, accounting for over 55% of total domestic production.

During his official visit, the US ambassador visited Chevron Corporation's Bibiyana Gas Plant and Ratargul Swamp Forest, which is a special biodiversity conservation area in the Sylhet region.