South Asian economy: Major agenda in 15th SAARC summit

The member countries of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) will concentrate the discussions on south Asian economy as the major agenda in forthcoming 15th SAARC summit scheduled for August 2 and 3 in Srilanka.

Representatives of the diplomatic missions of SAARC counties stationed in Nepalese capital Kathmandu said it would be also urgent to discuss the issue of energy enrichment, trade relation extension and food security in south Asian counties further stressing that SAARC countries should prepare a common program for the development of the region.

Speaking at a program in the capital city today, Foreign Secretary Gyanchandra Acharya said the agendas for the summit have already been set stating that the summit would formulate a special policy for the trade expansion among the member countries.

Indian Ambassador Rakesh Sood said the interest of some counties beyond Asia was the reflection of the success that SAARC has marked in the past. He also said India would put emphasis on the extension of railway and air service for the regional ties.