Business»
S Asia urged to cooperate effectively
KATHMANDU, APR 25 -
Political and economic experts here on Sunday pointed out that member countries of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) were finding it hard to conceive of shared prosperity through greater economic integration.
Speaking at the Third South Asia Policy Forum, they said that amid the struggle for democracy and increasing cases of violence fuelled by political disputes, South Asian nations were bearing the brunt of poverty which needed sustained efforts to be removed.
Breaking out of the political interference among SAARC members is possible only if they move towards economic cooperation and greater economic integration, they said. The forum aims to represent the outcomes gathered at the three-day discussion at the 16th SAARC Summit scheduled to be held in Bhutan on April 28-29.
Food security (food bank agenda), cross-border water sharing, financial crisis, social safety and security, mutual investment, visa procedures and terrorism among others are the issues to be focused upon during the session, the organizer said. Syed Naveed Qamar, MNA, Federal Minister, Government of Pakistan, said that large amounts of money had been spent on weapons compared to the amount spent to address poverty and other related problems.
“There is a need for conflict resolution and normalisation of bilateral relations,” he said. Besides, deteriorating peace and disputes among the countries had created many obstacles in travel and trade facilitation. “It’s tragic to say I cannot export my country’s goods to Nepal using Indian territory. The complicated visa procedures are a major drawback. Therefore, what is the meaning of having SAARC?”
Abdus Shaheed, member of parliament, chief whip, Bangladesh Parliament, pointed out that SAARC nations were struggling for democracy, and cases of violence were increasing poverty at a rapid pace.”
He said that food safety, social safety and nutrition security among other issues needed to be addressed to get rid of increasing poverty. “We are optimistic that the 16th SAARC Summit will focus on the emerging issues in a sustainable manner,” he said. Energy Minister Prakash Saran Mahat said that the dream of a common currency and free visa system could be realised by strengthening consensus among the member countries.
Increasing violence and terrorism in the South Asian region is the major factor behind swelling poverty. Similarly, tussles between the powerful countries were affecting the small countries adversely affecting the dream of prosperity and development, he said. “The root cause of violence should be eliminated for sustained growth,” he said.
Posh Raj Pandey, president of South Asia Watch on Trade, Economic and Environment (SAWTEE), said that the major obstacle to prosperity and development among the members was lack of political will. He said that it was a crucial time to change the existing behavior and transform the thinking for a good cause.
Posted on: 2010-04-26 07:30
Headlines
Advertisements
