September 2015

SAFTA, greater ease of trade crucial to growing South Asia: Asian Development Bank

Business Standard, 28 September , 2015
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has prescribed overhauling of trade policy, focus on sub continental trade on a priority basis and full implementation of the South Asian Free Trade Area (SAFTA) programme to boost the trade in South Asia. More…

‘Set up free trade area in South Asia quickly’

The Hindu, September 29, 2015
India has said that all South Asian economies need to speedily work towards a free trade area within the region with a defined time-line, preferably 2020, as the first step towards achieving the joint vision of a South Asian Economic Union. More…

South Asia must aim higher

Business Standard, 28 September , 2015
The average cost of trade between any two countries in South Asia is 85 per cent higher than it is between any two countries in East Asia – a price markup that hurts the economies and people of South Asia. More…

Trade reforms: a neglected area

The News, 20 September 2015
Pakistan missed the export target for 2014-15 and could barely reach a figure of USD 24 billion. Putting this in comparison to peer economies; Bangladesh’s exports for the same year are USD 31 billion, and Vietnam’s exports stand at over USD 97 billion. The top export category for both these economies is textile and garments. More…

Regional integration, private sector to help South Asia boost growth: Report

The Economic Times, 20 September 2015
Increasing regional integration through enhanced role of private sector and cooperation in areas like trade, energy security and connectivity will help South Asian nations boost economic growth, says a report.. More…

Column: South Asia needs regional integration

The Financial Express, 17 September 2015
The South Asian region has immense potential to be the frontrunner of growth and prosperity in the 21st century. South Asia has positioned itself as a strong consumer market base with a quarter of the world’s middle-class consumers residing there. With consistent GDP growth rates, of 5–6%, over the past couple of decades, it is one of the fastest growing regions of the world. It has the largest working-age population, the right culture to foster entrepreneurship and a dynamic industry sector while regional association member nations enjoy geographical proximity. Countries share common geological history, climate, cultures and political system. More importantly, South Asia has the right combination of resources to boost agriculture, industry and investment.. More…

Regional security framework for South Asia must include China

The Financial Express, 17 September 2015
The South Asian region has immense potential to be the frontrunner of growth and prosperity in the 21st century. South Asia has positioned itself as a strong consumer market base with a quarter of the world’s middle-class consumers residing there. With consistent GDP growth rates, of 5–6%, over the past couple of decades, it is one of the fastest growing regions of the world. It has the largest working-age population, the right culture to foster entrepreneurship and a dynamic industry sector while regional association member nations enjoy geographical proximity. Countries share common geological history, climate, cultures and political system. More importantly, South Asia has the right combination of resources to boost agriculture, industry and investment.. More…