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Download PDF Chief Adviser Fakhruddin Ahmed yesterday asked the larger South Asian countries to take greater responsibility to extend support to the region’s “less-developed” nations and stressed the need for addressing non-tariff barriers to better integrate South Asian economies.
“Those who are larger and better resourced among us have a greater responsibility to extend support to those lower down the scale of development,” said Fakhruddin in his address at the inaugural session of the 14th Saarc summit at New Delhi’s Vigyan Bhaban yesterday.
Attending his first major international summit, Fakhruddin said, “To optimise the potential of Safta, we must pursue trade-facilitation measures and address the non-tariff barriers.”
He said full implementation of the South Asian Free Trade Agreement (Safta) will only pave the way for further economic integration between the South Asian countries as it is still to be implemented by Pakistan.
“The economies of South Asia are varied and diverse. We should, therefore, make the best use of each other’s complementarities,” the chief adviser said, adding that it is the larger nations that should help the “less-developed” nations.
He also urged the Saarc nations to “redouble efforts” to ensure that the Saarc Development Goals are realised. He hoped for quick start of the operations of the Saarc Development Fund.
Fakhruddin urged the Saarc to “address the root causes that lead to violent actions,” adding, “We must make bold efforts to combat terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.”
The first ever meeting of the Saarc home ministers and home secretaries last year was a significant step in that direction, he added.
Fakhruddin said people deserve an environment where they can reach their full potential, “Where the State and its vital basic institutions would ensure a level-playing field for all and uphold the rule of law and good governance.
“All of us in South Asia are committed to these fundamental principles of democracy. As a natural corollary, it is also expected that the governments and public representatives, elected through free and fair electoral processes, remain mindful of the aspirations of the people,” he said.
Regretting the continuing poor quality of basic “telephony service” within South Asia, Fakhruddin said, “Our efficiency in this sector must therefore be improved and tariff should be lowered.”
He also asked the Saarc leaders to ensure that the South Asian University is beneficial to all member states and is participatory. “It is in this context that we strongly support the establishment of South Asian University which was proposed during the 13th summit in Dhaka,” he added.
Stressing the need for boosting intra-Saarc tourism, Fakhruddin called for a “uniform” fee for all Saarc tourists at the heritage and archaeological sites.
He said, “The strengthening of Track II process among civil society of our region will also help buttress the network of linkages.”
The head of the Bangladesh government also offered to host a Saarc Youth Camp this year to bring the youth of the region closer together.
“We propose a more elaborate Saarc scholarship programme for our youth in ICT and Bio-Sciences. We believe that India can play a leading role in this area,” he said.
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