"Economic Freedom is incomplete without political freedom and a politically sound state is pre-requisite for economic liberalisation in the country." This was stated by Tariq Sayeed, President, Saarc Chamber of Commerce and Industry in his welcome address at the inaugural session of a two-days seminar "Saarc Governments' Commitment to Economic Freedom in South Asia" commenced on 11th August 2009 at Islamabad.
He suggested to the Governments in South Asia to adopt compatible measures to promote concept of Economic Freedom in the respective countries, which will help foster the process of economic integration of South Asia and urged upon the need for involvement of the youth in the campaign of Economic Freedom stating that youth could play pivotal role in socio-economic liberalisation in the region.
Sharat Sambharwal, High Commissioner of India to Pakistan, who was guest of honour, said that India had embarked upon liberal policies and to ensure economic freedom merits infrastructural development as a major component. India has signed FTA with Sri Lanka, its is building rail and road contact with Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal and Sri Lanka and integrated customs houses will be built across India-Pakistan border to facilitate trade.
He said that Dr Manmohan Singh has given South Asian Vision, which aims at transformation of South Asia from ignorance to knowledge-based economy. Sultan Ahmed Chawla, President FPCCI, who was the chief guest of the Seminar, expressed the commitment of the Business community as an active player for promoting economic freedom concept in the country.
The inaugural session was followed by two working sessions, whnich were chaired by Fouzia Wahab, MNA & Chairperson, NA Standing Committee on Finance and Revenue and Shahid Bashir, Joint Secretary (FT-1), Ministry of Commerce, GoP and were addressed by prominent academicians like Dr Sirimal Abeyrathne, Senior lecturers Economic Affairs, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka and Dr Abdul Qayyum Suleri, Director, Sustainable Development Policy Institute, Pakistan. Iqbal Tabish moderated the inaugural session and participated as a discussant to the session on Efforts for Trade Liberalisation in South Asia and Economic Freedom.-PR
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