India boost for SAPTA

In their formal speeches at the inauguration, India pledged to promote fair trade dealings with the members and acknowledged that they have a special role in promoting economic development in the region.

Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh insisted that the security list for the South Asian Free Trade Agreement would be reduced by them and certain items made duty free with immediate effect. He also pledged more education opportunities for the SAARC members.

He spoke positively of the progress made in SAARC terming it as “impressive” and pointed out that many sectors including trade, transport, health and education have benefited from it.

“Our summit is taking place at a time when the west is having an economic crisis. In the meantime developing countries like ours will be squeezed for capital and markets and we should look for innovative solutions within south Asian region,” he said.

His Pakistani counterpart said, “We must place the people at the centre of SAARC processes. We must create strong bonds among people; this is what will assure the development of our countries. SAARC can contribute immensely to a trust surplus and impart new dynamisms.”

Social economic disparity, energy, women empowerment, health and education are points that he noted should be focused on. Strengthening regional cooperation also means rural development and action plans to combat communicable diseases and combating illiteracy. Further communication and establishing a regional development bank was also encouraged by him.  With abundant renewable energy available he called for SAARC members to take initiatives in this sector and focus on energy cooperation. Climate change was also touched on him referring to the flood situation he insisted that Pakistan understands the urgent need to take measures that would also spill over to water issues.