S. Asian Diplomats Push for Cooperation, New Regional Trade Pathways
The foreign ministers of Pakistan and Bangladesh, Ishaq Dar and Khalilur Rahman, along with Afghanistan’s Commerce Minister Nooruddin Azizi, took part in talks focused on boosting connectivity and overcoming long-standing barriers to intra-regional trade across a region home to nearly two billion people.
Participants emphasized both the importance of dialogue and the need for practical mechanisms to improve economic cooperation in South Asia, where trade between neighboring countries remains limited despite the region’s large combined economy.
Dar highlighted that South Asia’s economic potential remains largely untapped, noting that intra-regional trade accounts for only about 5% despite the region’s economy being valued at around $4 trillion.
He argued that the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) has failed to deliver its intended results, stating that if it had functioned effectively, the region’s trade landscape would look very different.
“Without trust, there can be no connectivity, and without connectivity, issues cannot be resolved,” he said, urging sustained and cooperative efforts to promote development.
Dar also pointed to security concerns, arguing that eliminating terrorism is essential for economic progress and regional stability.
With SAARC largely inactive, he said Pakistan is instead focusing on alternative and trilateral cooperation frameworks, including partnerships involving China, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan, aimed at improving connectivity and economic integration.
He suggested that such arrangements could contribute to stronger economic growth and improved living standards across the region.
When asked about regional cooperation under SAARC, Dar also claimed that India remains an obstacle to progress in broader South Asian engagement, according to remarks made during the forum.
Legal Disclaimer:
EIN Presswire provides this news content "as is" without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
