Political freedom is a prerequisite for exploiting the economic potential of South Asia in true perspective and involvement of stake holders in policy making process is required for promotion of Economic Freedom in the region.
This was stated by Bangladeshi Minister of Commerce Muhammad Farrukh Khan during his inaugural address at conference on “Economic Freedom and Business Environment” organised by SAARC Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SAARC CCI) in collaboration with the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) arranged by Friedrich Naumann Foundation in Dhaka.
He stressed that politicians have failed to implement liberal policies in the region. He said regional connectivity was essential for remodeling of policies in line with current Global economic address. The efforts for promoting Economic freedom in South Asian countries are scarce. The results are visible interim of higher poverty rate, poor human development index, more dependence on foreign aid, and added that SAARC needs inward looking policies to promote intra regional trends, which were more then 60 percent in the region and pre disintegration of sub continental.
In his welcome address, FBCCI President A. K Azad urged the governments of South Asia countries to remove Non tariff barriers and promote improved infrastructure and liberal visa policies arguing that only 100 SAARC visa stickers (SVES) for three million businessmen is insignificant. He demanded an increase of SVES to 500 for each member countries.
SAARC CCI President Annisul Huq, in his keynote speech also emphasised for increase in SAARC Visa Exemption Sticker and demanded for futuristic policies to improve business improvement in the region to unleash the true economic potential. Since the business community concerned is business, it requires enabling environment to do business freely. He added that SAFTA required to be implemented in true letter and spirit.
SAARC CCI former President Tariq Sayeed, while sharing his views, said that governments of South Asian countries need to adapt to the changes taking place around the globe. He identified the political mindset as one of the biggest barrier in promoting economic freedom in South Asia. He provided statistical comparison establishing that the sluggish growth of intra regional trade was because of stringent policies.
FNF Representative Subodh Kumar emphasised the role and function of FNST for promoting economic freedom in the world including South Asia under the partnership of SAARC CCI. The meeting was conducted by SAARC CCI Secretary General Iqbal Tabish, who presented an overview of the activities of SAARC CCI towards promoting intra regional economic cooperation.
SAARC CCI (Bangladesh) Vice President Abul Kashim Ahmed also spoke. The conference was attended by representative of business community from Bhutan, India, Nepal , Pakistan , Sri Lanka and the host country Bangladesh. SAARC CCI (Pakistan) Vice President Iftikhar Ali Malik led a sizeable delegation from Pakistan including EC Members Sheikh Jamil Mehboob Maggoon, Saifuddin Zoomkawala, Shaikh Mohammad Naseer, Adnan Jalil, GA members Hameed Akhter Chadda, Mian Mahmood Ahmed and other important businessmen.
