Boosting trade in Saarc
Kathmandu Post, April 23, 2018
The recent change of government in Nepal as well as the flurry of South Asian Association of Regional Cooperation (Saarc) seminars and summits have led to the re-emergence of discussion concerning the South Asia Free Trade Area (Safta). More…
24X7 Customs clearing fails to boost trade at Petrapole
The Hindu Businessline, April 22, 2018
“Baichung Parking” reads the sign on a gated compound near Bongaon on Jessore Road, approximately 10 km ahead of the Petrapole land border with Bangladesh. The owner must have been a fan of former Indian football captain Baichung Bhutia. More…
India taking a leadership role in the Commonwealth can revitalise grouping, make the UK relevant again
First Post, April 19, 2018
The Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) of 2018 got underway in London on Monday. But it’s on Thursday that the heads of 53 governments will get into the business end of things, with the official opening of the CHOGM Summit to take place at Buckingham Palace and the formal meetings between leaders to follow shortly after. More…
BIMSTEC and Japan: Exploring prospects for renewed cooperation
Orf Online, April 14, 2018
As the Bay of Bengal region continues to rise as an economic and strategic hub, there is increasing awareness of the role to be played by the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) in promoting growth, development and stability in the region. Having kept a low profile in its 20 years of existence, BIMSTEC is now being seen as a potential driver of integration between South Asia and Southeast Asia. More…
India Will Be Integral to the Commonwealth’s Future
Chathamhouse, April 13, 2018
If the Commonwealth were to reinvigorate itself and expand its remit, India would be well placed to play a leading role. More…
Bangladesh plans to import 9,000MW from neighbours
Dhaka tribune, April 09, 2018
Although the government has made significant strides in power generation, a large number of people in Bangladesh are still living in the dark. The current electricity production is insufficient to meet the ever-growing demand. More…
South Asia needs to craft new trade strategies: Iftikhar
Pakistan Obeserver, April 12, 2018
ESAARC CCI Vice President Iftikhar Ali Malik Wednesday said in the prevailing global economic scenario, it is need of the hour that SAARC member states should craft new self-regulating trade strategies to withstand the shocks in wake of trade war ensued between the United States and China that could badly hit the development growth in the region. More…
Thailand expresses concern over BIMSTEC motor vehicle pact
Business-standard, April 11, 2018
Thailand has expressed concern over the proposed BIMSTEC Motor Vehicle Agreement that would give Indian truckers access to the country through a trilateral highway via Myanmar, saying only domestically-owned transport firms should be allowed on the route to protect interests of local playerst. More…