LAHORE: The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation's Chamber of Commerce and Industry has given an opportunity to Pakistan to become a driving force for peace, progress, prosperity, stability, poverty alleviation, economic, cultural and social development in South Asian region.

These views were expressed by President of SAARC CCI Iftikhar Ali Malik while speaking at the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), here Tuesday. "There is a need to strengthen regional trade and economic cooperation among the SAARC countries, now is the right time to initiate joint ventures with SAARC countries in all sectors of economy," he said, adding "We have to develop I.T connection with the regional countries."

The SAARC CCI President maintained that there is a dire need to focus on agro-based technical training as Pakistan is behind in this particular area as compared to other countries.

LCCI President Irfan Iqbal Sheikh said on the occasion that special focus must be paid on developing close liaison among the SAARC partners because as long as there is mistrust among the regional partners, there is no possibility for regional cooperation to thrive. He said the share of SAARC countries in global exports is just around 2-percent which should be further enhanced. "We must take lead from organizations like ASEAN (Association of South East Asian Nations) that has made good headway in regional cooperation as ASEAN's exports is around 8 percent of global exports."

LCCI Senior Vice President Ali Hussam Asghar and Vice President Mian Zahid Jawaid Ahmad said on the occasion that financial cooperation among SAARC members can also help facilitate bridging infrastructure gaps and building productive capacities. Likewise, establishment of SAARC Central Bank with its regional branches in all capitals and major commercial cities across the region may also prove useful in achieving these objectives.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2020