|
|
| |
| :: Khaleda for actions on economic, political fronts ~ |
|
| |
Prime Minister Khaleda Zia yesterday said last two decades' lessons have led the South Asian leaders to one conclusion that factors constraining effective regional cooperation are the mindsets and perceptions emanating from the past.
The newly elected chairperson of Saarc called for simultaneous actions in both political and economic sectors to move forward for regional cooperation.
"Can Saarc construct an economic partnership without resolving the problems in which our countries are locked in today?" Khaleda said in her inaugural address at the 13th Saarc Summit in the capital.
"I believe that we should not opt for an 'either-or' approach in this regard."
The Bangladesh premier observed that lessons from other regional organisations show simultaneous movement -- both political and economic -- was required on all fronts in ways acceptable to all concerned.
"Our future initiatives to create a more dynamic and prosperous South Asia should benefit from these lessons," she continued.
Terming the ongoing Saarc summit a window of opportunity for the South Asian countries, Khaleda said, "This is a summit to consolidate our gains in regional cooperation during the last two decades. This is a summit that enables us to look to the future and forge a blueprint for the next phase of Saarc activities. This is also our opportunity to turn commitments into action."
Stressing the need for all-out efforts in improving the condition and quality of life of people of the region, the Bangladesh primer called upon the South Asian leaders for making a fresh commitment to achieve the goals.
"Let us make a fresh commitment during our present summit to unite our efforts to address the common challenges facing our nations, and to realise the aspirations of our peoples for a peaceful, progressive and prosperous South Asia," she asserted.
SAARC REVIEW
As Saarc completes 20 years of its existence, Khaleda Zia said it is now time for a review and reform of the institutions and mechanisms.
"I would suggest that the standing committee should hold a special session to undertake a thorough and comprehensive review of all Saarc institutions and mechanisms, including the secretariat.
"The 21st century undoubtedly belongs to South Asia. Despite our high potentials, we have remained on the peripheries of the global society for far too long."
POVERTY, TERRORISM, CATASTROPHE
She stressed the concerted efforts in the process of eliminating poverty, accelerating economic growth and combating terrorism.
She also put emphasis on serious efforts to reinforce regional cooperation for management and conservation of water resources and environment, pollution prevention and preparedness to deal with natural calamities.
On combating terrorism, the Bangladesh prime minister expressed satisfaction, observing that all the Saarc countries are united in combating terrorism.
Referring to the last summit that adopted an additional protocol to the Saarc regional convention so as to deal effectively with financing of terrorism, Khaleda said four countries have ratified the protocol.
"I urge the remaining members to expedite their ratification so that the protocol can be enforced at an early date, if possible by the end of the year."
On economic development, the Bangladesh premier said economic development in South Asia must be accompanied by concomitant progress in the social sector.
"We must make concerted efforts in achieving the objectives outlined in the Social Charter adopted by us during the last summit."
To achieve these goals, Khaleda Zia suggested setting up of a regional mechanism for follow-up and implementation of the Saarc Social Charter and implementation of regional programmes and projects in areas requiring collective regional responses or initiatives in accordance with the charter.
"We should also encourage all stakeholders including the private sector, the media and the civil society organisations to contribute to the objectives of the Saarc Social Charter. I suggest that we undertake a mid-term review of the progress in realising the objectives of the Saarc decades on the rights of the child," she continued.
"Finally, I call for ratification by December 2005 of the Saarc Convention on Preventing and Combatting Trafficking in Women and Children and of the Saarc Convention on Child Welfare."
Accelerating economic growth is a major Saarc objective, Khaleda Zia said, adding, to realise this objective, an immediate task will be to achieve substantial increase in intra-regional trade and investment.
SAFTA AGREEMENT
"In this context, we must ensure that the Safta agreement enters into force as agreed upon with effect from the first of January 2006," she asserted. "A major step forward would be marked by the entry into force of the Safta agreement.
"Indeed, South Asia is an emerging economic giant with unlimited potentials. Realising South Asia's true potentials is the challenge facing us today.
"Formidable obstacles, however, still confront us. Widespread incidence of poverty continues to be a major concern for us. Intra-regional trade in South Asia is still about four percent of our region's combined trade with the rest of the world. Foreign direct investment in South Asia accounts for a mere one percent of the global total.
"Initiatives would now have to be taken for exploitation of the region's energy resources, setting up of energy grids and promoting energy trade."
In order to advance economic cooperation in all these areas, there should be greater collaboration among the public and private sectors, she added.
ANNUAL BUSINESS MEET
"There could be an annual business summit preceding each Saarc summit. Such a forum could bring together the finance and trade ministers, governors of the central banks, investment boards, business leaders, economic policy institutes and the media," she said.
The Saarc chamber could take a leading role in organising such a forum to promote intra-regional trade and investment, she added.
|
Source : |
|
| |
|
| ::
Business News ~ - - - - -
- |
|
|
|
|
|
