Regional Cooperation
Leaders of the eight countries of the region agree to work to enhance the regional cooperation
By A CORRESPONDENT
More than two decades have already passed since the formation of South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation but the countries of the region are yet to find an amicable way out for the regional development.
Unlike previous Summits, one can see certain progress this time in New Delhi as China, Japan, United States, South Korea and European Union also took part as observers in the meeting. The participation of China - which shares border with five members of the region- is very significant.
Although Indian prime minister Dr. Manmohan Singh proposed many economic packages for the regional development, it seems to be very difficult to implement them. As the largest country in the region, economic success of SAARC will much depend upon India.
Unlike other forum for regional cooperation, SAARC is yet to tread a long path before it establishes itself as a viable forum for regional development. Whatever the pace of SAARC may be, the summit meeting gives a unique opportunity for the leaders of the region to share their views and build confidence among themselves.
“I am happy today to announce that India will allow duty free access to India before the end of this year to our South Asian neighbors who are least developed countries and further reduce the sensitive list in respect of these countries,” said Indian prime minister Dr. Manmohan Singh.
Addressing the summit, Nepalese prime minister Koirala spent most of his time to boast about the political process in Nepal. “I gambled 60 years of my political career to have a dialogue with the Maoists. Now I am happy that the Maoists have joined the government. This is new thing for Nepal,” said Koirala. He stressed neither age nor time could stale his passion for SAARC, which he said could become a key instrument in alleviating poverty from the region.
