Date:30/03/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/03/30/stories/2007033005601900.htm

Business

Plea on relief for SAARC members

Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI: As the largest member of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), India should give duty-free market access to its smaller and less-developed neighbours like Bangladesh, Maldives, Bhutan and Nepal while Pakistan needs to implement the South Asia Free Trade Area (SAFTA) agreement.

Making a forceful plea to this effect ahead of the New Delhi SAARC Summit, Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (Assocham) President, Venugopal N. Dhoot, said: "Indian industry would fully support the government if it comes out with any package for our smaller neighbours since the size of our industry and economy is large enough to accommodate the requirements of these countries."

The Assocham President said India had extended a commitment to review non-tariff barriers, if any, and gave better access to its market as part of the SAFTA.

"Our economy, which is expected to reach a size of a trillion dollar by March 2008, should share the fruits of growth with the smaller members of the SAARC," Mr. Dhoot said.