Federal Minister for Commerce Khurram Dastagir Khan said that SAARCs Democratic Union should move from suspicions to facilitation. He was speaking during 30th SAARC Charter Day celebrations organised by SAARC Chamber of Commerce & Industry at a local hotel.
He said that the whole region has democratic governments and every action at democratic front can be quicker than any other union. We should cooperate to eradicate poverty, meaning full access and trade without barriers. The union has to move from suspicious to facilitation attitude.
While appreciating the inward policies toward region of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, he added that history divides us but common problems, threats and abundant resource in each member states unite us. Every one of us has to become an ambassador of South Asia for a peaceful, prosperous and connected South Asia. Iftikhar Ali Malik, Vice President, SAARC CCI (Pakistan), in his inaugural address, said that the signing of SAARC Framework Agreement for Energy Cooperation (Electricity) by Heads of States during the recently concluded 18th SAARC Summit at Kathmandu, Nepal has given new ray of hope and a serious step forward towards regional connectivity in South Asia. He added that the private Sector of South Asia are quite confident that other two SAARC motor vehicle and Railway agreements will soon be ratified by Government of Pakistan. "We are quite hopeful that implementation of these agreements in letter and spirit would not only promote regional connectivity but also transform SAARC from a platform of talks to actions, which is the topic of today's Conference," he stated.
Dr T. C. A. Raghavan, High Commissioner of India to Pakistan, in his address said that SAARC is reality and deep integration in South Asia is imperative. He said that we have signed many agreements for mutual cooperation, but it's time for their implementation with true spirits. He also expressed his disappointment on not signing of Multi model road agreement during recent SAARC summit concluded in Kathmandu. He regarded it case of thrown opportunities. He hoped that multi model road agreement will be re-considered by the governments and will be signed soon.
Zuabir Ahmed Malik, Immediate Past President, FPCCI and EC Member, SAARC CCI, while moderating the inaugural session said: "we are celebrating 30th SAARC Charter Day, Let us today recommit ourselves to strengthen SAARC to meet the growing expectations of our peoples in the region." Zubair A. Malik read the message of Arjun Bahadur Thapa, Secretary General SAARC-PR