Hyderabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (HCCI) President Emad Siddique while welcoming the success of the South Asian Association for Regional Corporation (Saarc) Summit said that the agreements signed during the summit would go a long way in encouraging mutual co-operation in trade, industry and social sectors of the member states.
He said the agreement on South Asian Free Trade Area (Safta) signed at the 12th Saarc Summit would help in the development of national economy of contracting states by expanding investment and production opportunity.
He said with regard to Pakistan's industrial community it could only be benefited if the government reconsidered its tariff rates, which were highest in the region.
He quoted the example of power tariff and telephone and in agriculture sector the high cost of inputs, which remained major deterrent to compete in the international market.
He suggested that the telephone tariff should be brought in line with the neighbouring country and only the exact time might be charged from the consumer.
He said the signing of Social Charter would help in alleviating regional poverty as it has provided a clear cut roadmap for action on this vital subject.