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Call to strengthen SAARC communication links

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CIOL Bureau
New Update

LONDON, UK: On the occasion of the 15th SAARC Summit in Sri Lanka from July 27, 2008, the Commonwealth Business Council and SAARC Chamber of Commerce and Industry on Monday urged heads of government to strengthen communication links in the region.

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The SAARC region lacks adequate communication infrastructure and some countries follow a restrictive policy when it comes to developing regional communication links, a press release said.

It said that the telecommunications links should be uninterrupted and penetrable in the region with deregulation and foreign investment encouraged.

It also urged the governments to finalize an agreement in the services sector.

Extending South Asia Free Trade Agreement (SAFTA) to include services would broaden its scope and impact and boost competitiveness in key emerging sectors such as banking, communications and aviation, it said.

“South Asia’s growth remains resilient amidst a mood of lowering expectations in almost all developed economies. This provides an opportunity for governments and business in the region to advance the agenda on intra-regional trade,” said Dr. Mohan Kaul, Director General and CEO of the Commonwealth Business Council.

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