Date:12/12/2005 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2005/12/12/stories/2005121202650200.htm

Back `India must work to expand trade among SAARC'

Our Bureau

New Delhi , Dec 11

THE Foreign Secretary, Mr Shyam Saran, has emphasised the need to put in place the platform that would facilitate trade and commerce amongst the SAARC countries.

Speaking at a seminar on `13th SAARC Summit: The Road Ahead', organised by PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry , Mr Saran said, "South Asian Free Trade Agreement is a quantum leap in the efforts of the regional countries for achieving economic integration in the region.

"However, it is imperative that appropriate measures are taken to put in place intra-regional link-ways to facilitate trade and commerce amongst the SAARC countries."

Mr Saran said, "The biggest effort has to come from our country. India, the largest economy in the region witnessing rapid economic growth, can be looked upon as an economy in whose prosperity there can be stake for everyone. It is therefore important for the country to factor in appropriate benefits for the neighbouring countries."

Talking about the efforts being made by India at a bilateral level to improve channels for trade among neighbouring countries, Mr Saran cited the example of Sri Lanka.