KATHMANDU, Nov. 23 (Xinhua) -- Enhancing connectivity is crucial to allow a smooth cross-border flow of goods, services, capital and people within the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) region, a Nepalese official said Sunday.
Shanker Das Bairagi, acting foreign secretary, made the remarks at the 41st session of the Standing Committee of the SAARC which began here on Sunday.
The official said, "This (enhancing connectivity) can be a game- changer in realizing structural transformation in South Asia's social-economic landscape."
The two-day session will ratify the agenda for the 18th SAARC Summit, endorsed by the Programming Committee of the Joint- Secretary-level that met on Saturday. Any undecided issues will be finalized following deliberations at the SAARC Council of Ministers slated for November 25.
At the Standing Committee, delegates will review significant issues concerning trade, information technology, poverty alleviation, energy security and regional connectivity in the context of South Asia.
SAARC countries agreed that to move ahead, the region needs low cost, energy efficient and environmentally sustainable transportation, as well as trade and economic links for the land- locked countries and semi-isolated areas.
According to Das Bairagi, regional connectivity will contribute to making the slogan for the 18th SAARC Summit "Deeper Integration for Peace and Prosperity' more meaningful.
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