On SAFTA, the leaders affirmed their commitment to implement it in letter in spirit to enable the SAARC region emerge as a power house of the world.
Recognising the need for addressing major barriers hindering effective trade liberalization in the region, the leaders pressed for early implementation of the decision to revise the sensitive lists by the SAFTA Ministerial Council.
While revising the sensitive lists, they directed that special consideration be given to the Least Developed Countries.
The leaders directed that the SAFTA Committee of Experts should expeditiously resolve the issue of non-tariff measures and para-tariff measures to facilitate and enhance trade under the regional trade agreement.
They pitched for concrete and early measures to improve trade facilitation in terms of the mutual recognition of standards, the adoption of common tariff nomenclatures and the harmonisation of customs procedures.
An emphasis was laid on development of communication and transit facilities to promote intra-SAARC trade.
This measure has been hampered due to Pakistan's denial to grant transit facilities to Indian goods bound for Afghanistan.
Image: Prime Minister Manmohon Singh escorted by Sri Lankan foreign minister to the 15th SAARC conclusion ceremony in Colombo on Sunday.
Also see: SAARC Summit 2005
Advertisement
