South Asia has experienced strong economic growth since the 1990s but has had slower progress in reducing poverty and inequality than other regions like East Asia. This is partly because growth has not been sustained due to incomplete reforms, and not enough attention has been paid to developing human capital through education and health spending, which keeps many people stuck in low-wage work. Regional cooperation could help address these challenges to more inclusively spread the benefits of growth.
A syntesis from World Economic Forum Europe's Competitiveness Report, presented by Carl Bjorkman, Director, Head of government and international organizations relations, World Economic Forum and garagErasmus' Board member.
After a review of the State of the World --societal, environmental and economic-- we give some data about the Cyprus economy and explain why Innovation is the Way.
A syntesis from World Economic Forum Europe's Competitiveness Report, presented by Carl Bjorkman, Director, Head of government and international organizations relations, World Economic Forum and garagErasmus' Board member.
After a review of the State of the World --societal, environmental and economic-- we give some data about the Cyprus economy and explain why Innovation is the Way.
By Derek Byerlee. Presented at the ASTI-FARA conference Agricultural R&D: Investing in Africa's Future: Analyzing Trends, Challenges, and Opportunities - Accra, Ghana on December 5-7, 2011. http://www.asti.cgiar.org/2011conf
Introduction of short duration pulses into rice-based cropping systems in wes...ACIAR
Rice-based Systems Research: Regional Technical Workshop June 2012 Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR)
Imran Malik, Ken Flower, Matiur Rahman, William Erskine
Centre for Legumes in Mediterranean Agriculture
By David J. Spielman, Fatima Zaidi, and Kathleen Flaherty. Presented at the ASTI-FARA conference Agricultural R&D: Investing in Africa's Future: Analyzing Trends, Challenges, and Opportunities - Accra, Ghana on December 5-7, 2011. http://www.asti.cgiar.org/2011conf
Is water a limiting factor for population growth in South Australia?University of Adelaide
Professor Graeme Hugo presents the fourth installment of the Science Seminar Series entitled Is water a limiting factor for population growth in South Australia
Livestock production and poverty alleviation in arid and semi-arid tropica...ILRI
Presented by Carlos Seré, Augustine Ayantunde, Alan Duncan, Ade Freeman, Mario Herrero, Shirley Tarawali, and Iain Wright at the XXI International Grassland Congress and VIII International Rangeland Congress, held in Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, China from 29 June - 5 July 2008
This report sheds light on the significance of digital trade integration for Pakistan and selected
Central Asian countries including Afghanistan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. Digital trade
integration involves regulatory structures/policy designs, digital technologies, and business
processes along the entire global/regional digital value chain. Digital trade
integration requires free cross-border movement of not only digital products, services, and
technologies but also other manufactured goods, data, capital, talent, and ideas along with the
availability of integrated physical and virtual infrastructure. Hence, digital trade integration requires
the removal of digital trade barriers as well as extensive technology, and legal and policy
coordination between member states.
Countries around the world have actively engaged in establishing new and progressive bilateral and
regional trade agreements to boost trade and economic growth. The significance of digital trade has
increased considerably after the COVID-19 pandemic. Improvement in digital connectivity, ease in
regulations, and skilled workers are key factors to facilitate trade integration and promote the
growth of the e-commerce sector. The report examines the regional trade agreements of Pakistan
and selected Central Asian countries and their relevance for digital trade integration. It also
scrutinizes the challenges faced by the public institutions of Pakistan in the implementation of digital
trade policy. Besides this, the report also observes the challenges faced by SMEs dealing with digital
trade-related products.
The findings show that Pakistan and selected Central Asian countries are at different levels of digital
adoption, including mobile connectivity index and download speed of mobile and broadband.
Kazakhstan and Pakistan have a higher export and import volume compared with other countries.
However, neither country has any major trading partner from the countries selected in this study,
which demonstrates the lack of regional cooperation and the need for regional trade agreements to
boost bilateral and regional trade.
The report discusses the e-commerce laws of Pakistan and selected Central Asian countries, whereas
domestic policies and measures to increase digital trade are also reviewed. The countries are at a
different level in terms of implementing digital trade facilitation measures. Lack of effective
enforcement of intellectual property rights, non-tariff measures, foreign investment restrictions in
digital space, data and information costs, cyber security, and tax policy and administration are all key
policy issues that influence digital trade integration.
The study offers a way forward in which action points are provided for governments, the nongovernmental
sector (notably, business associations and networks), academia and think tanks, and
development partners. #DigitalTradeIntegration
#RegionalTradeAgreements
#EconomicGrowth
#DigitalConnectivity
#EcommerceLaws
The policy brief by the Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI) outlines the urgent need to address the high consumption of Industrially Produced Trans Fatty Acids (iTFA) in Pakistan, which poses significant health risks, particularly in contributing to cardiovascular diseases. Despite being the second-highest per capita consumer of iTFA in the WHO-Eastern Mediterranean Region, Pakistan lacks comprehensive regulations and enforcement mechanisms to mitigate iTFA consumption effectively. The brief recommends a multi-faceted approach involving uniform standards, transparent enforcement, public awareness campaigns, capacity building for regulatory authorities, and collaboration with the food industry to promote healthier alternatives. It highlights the importance of political commitment, intersectoral collaboration, and public-private dialogue to successfully eliminate iTFA from the food supply chain and improve public health outcomes in Pakistan.
By Derek Byerlee. Presented at the ASTI-FARA conference Agricultural R&D: Investing in Africa's Future: Analyzing Trends, Challenges, and Opportunities - Accra, Ghana on December 5-7, 2011. http://www.asti.cgiar.org/2011conf
Introduction of short duration pulses into rice-based cropping systems in wes...ACIAR
Rice-based Systems Research: Regional Technical Workshop June 2012 Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR)
Imran Malik, Ken Flower, Matiur Rahman, William Erskine
Centre for Legumes in Mediterranean Agriculture
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Is water a limiting factor for population growth in South Australia?University of Adelaide
Professor Graeme Hugo presents the fourth installment of the Science Seminar Series entitled Is water a limiting factor for population growth in South Australia
Livestock production and poverty alleviation in arid and semi-arid tropica...ILRI
Presented by Carlos Seré, Augustine Ayantunde, Alan Duncan, Ade Freeman, Mario Herrero, Shirley Tarawali, and Iain Wright at the XXI International Grassland Congress and VIII International Rangeland Congress, held in Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, China from 29 June - 5 July 2008
This report sheds light on the significance of digital trade integration for Pakistan and selected
Central Asian countries including Afghanistan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. Digital trade
integration involves regulatory structures/policy designs, digital technologies, and business
processes along the entire global/regional digital value chain. Digital trade
integration requires free cross-border movement of not only digital products, services, and
technologies but also other manufactured goods, data, capital, talent, and ideas along with the
availability of integrated physical and virtual infrastructure. Hence, digital trade integration requires
the removal of digital trade barriers as well as extensive technology, and legal and policy
coordination between member states.
Countries around the world have actively engaged in establishing new and progressive bilateral and
regional trade agreements to boost trade and economic growth. The significance of digital trade has
increased considerably after the COVID-19 pandemic. Improvement in digital connectivity, ease in
regulations, and skilled workers are key factors to facilitate trade integration and promote the
growth of the e-commerce sector. The report examines the regional trade agreements of Pakistan
and selected Central Asian countries and their relevance for digital trade integration. It also
scrutinizes the challenges faced by the public institutions of Pakistan in the implementation of digital
trade policy. Besides this, the report also observes the challenges faced by SMEs dealing with digital
trade-related products.
The findings show that Pakistan and selected Central Asian countries are at different levels of digital
adoption, including mobile connectivity index and download speed of mobile and broadband.
Kazakhstan and Pakistan have a higher export and import volume compared with other countries.
However, neither country has any major trading partner from the countries selected in this study,
which demonstrates the lack of regional cooperation and the need for regional trade agreements to
boost bilateral and regional trade.
The report discusses the e-commerce laws of Pakistan and selected Central Asian countries, whereas
domestic policies and measures to increase digital trade are also reviewed. The countries are at a
different level in terms of implementing digital trade facilitation measures. Lack of effective
enforcement of intellectual property rights, non-tariff measures, foreign investment restrictions in
digital space, data and information costs, cyber security, and tax policy and administration are all key
policy issues that influence digital trade integration.
The study offers a way forward in which action points are provided for governments, the nongovernmental
sector (notably, business associations and networks), academia and think tanks, and
development partners. #DigitalTradeIntegration
#RegionalTradeAgreements
#EconomicGrowth
#DigitalConnectivity
#EcommerceLaws
The policy brief by the Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI) outlines the urgent need to address the high consumption of Industrially Produced Trans Fatty Acids (iTFA) in Pakistan, which poses significant health risks, particularly in contributing to cardiovascular diseases. Despite being the second-highest per capita consumer of iTFA in the WHO-Eastern Mediterranean Region, Pakistan lacks comprehensive regulations and enforcement mechanisms to mitigate iTFA consumption effectively. The brief recommends a multi-faceted approach involving uniform standards, transparent enforcement, public awareness campaigns, capacity building for regulatory authorities, and collaboration with the food industry to promote healthier alternatives. It highlights the importance of political commitment, intersectoral collaboration, and public-private dialogue to successfully eliminate iTFA from the food supply chain and improve public health outcomes in Pakistan.
In his comprehensive analysis, Vaqar Ahmed highlights the challenges and impediments faced by Pakistan's trade and industrial policies, particularly concerning macroeconomic stability, energy shortages, rising costs, and regulatory constraints. The recent decline in the value of the Pakistani Rupee has further intensified issues for the manufacturing sector. The adverse macroeconomic conditions, including high inflation and a policy rate exceeding 20 percent, have hampered the sector's ability to secure working capital. Large firms' reluctance to operate in special economic zones due to supply-side gaps, coupled with global economic uncertainties, has delayed the next phase of the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Ends with some policy recommendations.
Creating a conducive environment for sustainable economic development, improve living standards for all citizens, and secure a brighter future for the nation.
Highlights the country's large and young labor force, with a 1.94% population growth rate and 65.5 million individuals actively seeking work according to the 2017-18 Labor Force Survey. However, the unemployment rate currently stands at 5.8%, with the highest rate (11.56%) among youth aged 20-24. In response, the government launched the Prime Minister's Kamyab Jawan Programme, allocating Rs 100 billion to support entrepreneurship and create employment opportunities for youth. This program encompasses six key initiatives, including the Youth Entrepreneurship Scheme, Hunermand Pakistan Programme, Green Youth Movement, Startup Pakistan, National Internship, and Jawan Markaz. By focusing on skills development, entrepreneurship, and youth empowerment, the government aims to address unemployment challenges and foster a more vibrant economy.
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Urban Policy aims to transform KP's urban centers into engines of social, economic, and cultural growth by promoting vibrant communities, sustainable practices, and economic opportunities. It focuses on inclusive development, infrastructure improvement, efficient governance, environmental protection, and cultural preservation, aiming to make cities globally competitive and provide a high quality of life for all citizens. This policy, reviewed every five years, provides a roadmap for urban development in KP, seeking to create a brighter future for its residents.
This study aims to explain the macroeconomic and welfare impacts of changes in indirect taxes brought about in response to COVID-19. We study whether the tax relief provided for in the federal budget for fiscal year 2020-21 was effective in providing relief to private enterprises and the trade sector. We also study whether production subsidies granted during the first wave of COVID-19 were effectively able to support firms in the agricultural sector. This assessment allows us to draw lessons that may be useful for designing tax benefit policies amid future waves of the pandemic or during other emergency times.
The Government of Pakistan has offered export facilitation schemes
to exporters with the objectives to lower trade costs and expand
output. Currently, nearly one dozen export facilitation schemes are
active. They also include those which are run by the Federal Board
of Revenue (FBR). The question of ‘effectiveness’ of such schemes
in boosting Pakistan’s exports has remained a consistent theme of
interest among policymakers, international development partners
and private sector. This policy brief builds on a firm-level survey,
conducted by the Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI),
and is an attempt to understand the effectiveness, overall gains,
and shortcomings of four major export facilitation schemes offered
by the FBR, including Duty and Tax Remission for Exports (DTRE),
Manufacturing Bond (MB), Export Oriented Unit (EOU) and Export
Facilitation Scheme (EFS). The study aims to provide insights on how
best to improve design of Export Facilitation Scheme 2021, which will
absorb all other schemes by the end of 2023.
The Ministry of Commerce in Pakistan unveiled the National Tariff Policy 2019-24 (NTP 2019-
24) in November 2019. The core aims of the policy were to: i) remove tariff-related
anomalies in the short-term to lower businesses’ cost of inputs and increase their
turnover, ii) increase employment generation in the medium-term, and iii) gain
competitiveness and exports in the long-term.
After its announcement, there remains a need to analyze the effectiveness and
impact of the policy. SDPI team conducted primary research to assess the impact
of tariff policy on Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) with the help of a firm-level
survey.
This specific survey aims to bridge the evidence gap by providing an in-depth
analysis on the NTP-2019-24 impact in terms of its three prime objectives. Besides,
the study also attempts to understand the business community’s challenges and
expectations vis-à-vis tariff-related matters.
Digital trade is increasing rapidly throughout the world whereas digital platforms and Coronavirus have further enhanced the importance of the digital economy and digital trade. Countries are focusing on promoting digital trade and integration through various measures including free trade agreements and bilateral negotiations. This study examined digital trade as defined by WTO E-commerce work and USITC. The study included the items that come under the definition of digital trade and examined the digital trade volume of Pakistan from 2010-2020 through three-step methodology. This includes the identification of digital trade items based on Harmonized System at a six-digit level, examining trade volume for digital goods, and identification of top ten export and import items along with top ten markets for digital trade. Favorable government policies and measures have helped Pakistan in promoting digital trade flows. However, there is a need to develop information and communication technology infrastructure in Pakistan to flourish trading activities. Furthermore, Pakistan has to reduce the fiscal and trade barriers such as rules and regulations for foreign investment in digital space, data and information costs, and ensure online security and data protection to promote digital trade integration.
by Asif Javed & Vaqar Ahmed
This study presents a pathway for fostering regional digital trade integration through
South-South and Triangular cooperation. Our main study goals include answering the
following questions:
» What are the challenges faced in the digital trade sector of Afghanistan, Pakistan
and Sri Lanka? How can these be overcome through various cooperative models?
» How can inclusive regional and free trade agreements help to overcome barriers
and enable digital trade integration?
» What can Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) dealing with digital trade-related
products learn from literature on South-South and Triangular cooperation?
Suggested citation:
Ahmed, V. and Javed, M. Digital Trade Integration: South-South and Triangular
Cooperation in South Asia (unpublished). South-South Idea Paper Series, United Nations
Office for South-South Cooperation (UNOSSC),Washington D.C.New York, 2022.
Pakistan is facing numerous socioeconomic impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic, including on food security. Food insecurity, which is a long-standing issue, has become more visible since the pandemic. Covid-19 Responses for Equity (CORE) partner the Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI) – a leading policy research thinktank – has been supporting the Government of Pakistan to maintain essential economic activity and protect workers and small producers during the pandemic. One notable contribution has been the development of a Food Security Portal, which is being used by the government to better manage food security in the country. It is the first track and trace system from farm to fork for essential food items.
URI
https://opendocs.ids.ac.uk/opendocs/handle/20.500.12413/17619
Citation
Suleri, A.Q.; Ahmed, V.; Ahmad, S.M.; Shah, Q.; Zahid, J. and Gatellier, K. (2022) Strengthening Food Security in Pakistan During the Covid-19 Pandemic, Covid-19 Responses for Equity (CORE) Stories of Change, Brighton: Institute of Development Studies, DOI: 10.19088/CORE.2022.008
Political and socio-economic discussions in Pakistan’s popular discourse are often inward-looking and generally focus on the country itself, or on its relationships to its immediate neighbors (Afghanistan, India, and China). We suggest here that Pakistan is part of a global system, as well. It is influenced not just by its direct neighbors, but also by: international events (war in Ukraine is just one example); by global economic factors (e.g. oil prices, changing terms of trade, or the danger of a global recession); and by various other global governance arrangements (e.g. Financial Action Taskforce and its demands from Pakistan). At the same time, Pakistan is not insulated from the global systemic changes. The global pandemic has overwhelmed the policymakers with possibilities of future epidemics also not being ruled out. In the past migration of people, both incoming and outgoing, has impacted the social fabric.
Likewise, the country is suffering from global warming and the resulting patterns of weather and precipitation. Pakistan is also a player at the international arena and is expected to play a responsible and proactive role at various global governance forums. The speech of the former Prime Minister of Pakistan at the UN General Assembly on September 27, 2019 has indicated regarding this responsibility and highlighted Pakistan’s role in the Cold War, or the engagement of Pakistani soldiers abroad, either in the United Nations peace keeping framework, or bilaterally. While many Pakistanis are aware of some of Pakistan’s international roles and dependencies, and of Pakistan’s image abroad, there is limited discussion about the country’s global role – what it should be? Who are the internal and external actors that shape Pakistan’s role, engagement, influence, and perception abroad? What role does the state and citizens play in deciding Pakistan’s global role? These are some of the questions that our chapter authors aimed to touch upon in this book. A conscious effort has been made to reach out to Pakistanis living and working abroad. Chapters have been invited from such resource persons who are not only Pakistanis but also study Pakistan from abroad and often through various lens external to Pakistan.
Web: https://pakistan.fes.de/e/global-pakistan-pakistan%CA%BFs-role-in-the-international-system
The Covid-19 pandemic and related
restrictions have had profound
socioeconomic impacts worldwide.
Governments have been faced with
responding urgently to mitigate such
effects, especially for the most
vulnerable. Covid-19 Responses for
Equity (CORE) partner Partnership for
Economic Policy (PEP) – a Southernled
organisation which believes that
evidence produced from an in-country
perspective, by empowered and
engaged local researchers and
policymakers, results in better policy
choices – has been working closely
with policymakers in Pakistan to
assess the Covid-19 impacts and the
effectiveness of current and potential
policies. As a result, PEP has helped
introduce tax reforms for the hardest
hit, agricultural subsidies for farmers,
and the reduction of trade tariffs for
struggling businesses.
Marginalization of Researchers in the Global
South in Global, Regional, and National
Economic-Development Consulting
Authors Ramos E. Mabugu | Vaqar Ahmed | Margaret R Chitiga-Mabugu
| Kehinde O. Omotoso
Date February 2022
Working Paper 2022-05
PEP Working Paper Series
ISSN 2709-7331
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Towards Inclusive Growth
1. Towards an Inclusive Growth in South Asia:
Role of Regional Cooperation
Dr. Vaqar Ahmed
Sustainable Development Policy Institute
23-10-2011 1
2. Economic Growth in Developing Regions 1960s-2000s
10
9
East Asia & Pacific
8
7.2
7 Latin America &
6.1
6 Caribbean
% Growth
5.4 5.2 Europe & Central
5
Asia
4 Middle East &
3.0
3 North Africa
South Asia
2
1
0
1960s 1970s 1980s 1990s 2000s
South Asia has been the fastest growing region since 1990s
3. Investment in Developing Regions
35
Gross fixed capital formation (% of GDP)
30
25
20
15 1960s
10 1970s
5 1980s
0 1990s
2000s
Investment has been increasing since 1960s
4. Productivity in Asia 1961 - 2000
1.02
1.02
1.01
Change in TFP
1.01
1.00
1.00
0.99
0.99
5. Poverty headcount ratio at $1.25 a day
0
10
20
50
60
30
40
1981
1983
1985
1987
1989
1991
1993
1995
South Asia
1997
1999
2001
Poverty declined but not by much! 2003
2005
Poverty in Asia 1981 - 2010
2007
2009
6. Poverty in Asia 1981 - 2010
90
Poverty headcount ratio at $1.25 a day
80
70
60
50
40 South Asia
30 China
20
10
0
1981
1991
2007
1983
1985
1987
1989
1993
1995
1997
1999
2001
2003
2005
2009
China halved poverty during the same period
7. Poverty in Asia 1981 - 2010
90
Poverty headcount ratio at $1.25 a day
80
70
60
50
South Asia
40
China
30 Indonesia
20
10
0
1981
1991
1983
1985
1987
1989
1993
1995
1997
1999
2001
2003
2005
2007
2009
Indonesia halved it during the same period
8. Why Slow Progress in Poverty & Inequality?
Sustaining growth was
difficult
Incomplete budgetary
and sectoral reforms
Keeps population
Inadequate attention stuck in low wage trap
to human capital / does not allow
decent employment
9. Health in Developing Regions
12 East Asia & Pacific
Health expenditure, total (% of
10 Latin America &
Caribbean
8
Europe & Central
GDP)
Asia
6
Middle East & North
4 Africa
Sub-Saharan Africa
2
South Asia
0
2009
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
South Asia spending less than Sub-Saharan Africa on Health
10. Education in Developing Regions
7 East Asia & Pacific
Public spending on education (% of
6
Latin America &
5 Caribbean
Europe & Central
4 Asia
GDP)
Middle East & North
3 Africa
Sub-Saharan Africa
2
South Asia
1
0
1975 1985 1999 2001 2003 2005 2007
South Asia spending less than Sub-Saharan Africa on Education
11. Missing Link in Development
• Large focus on brick and
Hardware mortar
(Infrastructure)
• Poor management of
existing assets
Governing
Institutions Existence of
(Software)
Institutions • Infrastructure financing
difficult Regulated
markets
Institutional efficacy is more important than institutional purity
12. Global Governance Indicators
Rank out of 145 Countries
Burden of Labour
Property Electricity
Corruption Govt. Market ICT Use
Rights & Telecom
Regulations Efficiency
Malaysia 37 26 8 20 48 57
China 44 43 21 36 69 74
Sri Lanka 64 54 32 117 79 100
India 99 63 96 81 116 117
Pakistan 104 105 76 136 126 111
Bangladesh 128 112 89 100 137 132
Nepal 126 121 103 128 141 128
Source: Global Competitiveness Report 2011-12
13. Regional Approach to Fighting Poverty
Trade-Poverty
Nexus
Empowering
Connecting
and
people and
Engaging
places
Youth
13
14. Search for South Asian Growth Model
Highlight lessons
from South Asia
Learning
Identify and
collectively
quantify costs
from Chinese
of non-
and East Asian
cooperation
experiences
14
15. Search for South Asian Growth Model
Services-led
growth
Disaster
Management
Food Security
(Climate
Change)
15
Productivity at the end of the day is an important determinant of economies of scale and Competitiveness and impacts exports
Productivity at the end of the day is an important determinant of economies of scale and Competitiveness and impacts exports
Productivity at the end of the day is an important determinant of economies of scale and Competitiveness and impacts exports
Planning commission in India and Pakistan have been rocked incidently at the sametime by the poverty debates in both countires. Sadly both are due to data issues. When basic data on poverty is hidden from the masses on account of political sensitivity, making informed policy decisions becomes far more difficult.
Productivity at the end of the day is an important determinant of economies of scale and Competitiveness and impacts exports
Productivity at the end of the day is an important determinant of economies of scale and Competitiveness and impacts exports
Productivity at the end of the day is an important determinant of economies of scale and Competitiveness and impacts exports
Productivity at the end of the day is an important determinant of economies of scale and Competitiveness and impacts exports
Productivity at the end of the day is an important determinant of economies of scale and Competitiveness and impacts exports
Trade-Poverty Nexus (Growth Commission Report)Connecting People and Places (Visa issues during India-Pakistan MFN talks)Youth must engage it’s a young population…..while ICT empowers them…they need to be engaged at policy level…let youth write their own vision….Deverajan….Pakistani youth survey about entering political parties….Like preferential businessmen…special exchange of youth must take place. Borders should be erased for them…in the name of child curiosity.
Learning from each other: Success of community-led projects in Pakistan such as Organi pilot project, success of NGO driven social protection framework in Bangladesh, success of post-conflict growth strategy in Sri Lanka, managing conflict-induced migration in urban areas of Nepal. Learning from China: We still don’t know how SA will behave in response to volitility in chinese economy. Yesterday we saw two very different views…while some said that Chinese growth was good for SA exports, an exporter from BAN got up and said that we have zero beneift of any trading arrangements with China. Need to thrash out moreCosts of non-cooperation: Yesterday Sri Lanka’s Senior Minister informed that India is not representing the views of South Asia in G-20 on the other hand we see Pakistan and Bangladesh protesting with EU about any possible India-EU trade relations that are preferential. So SA’s countries are still fighting on foreign turf and not on SAARC platform.
Services-led growth will only be sustainable if your services are tradeable…the most easiest way to trade services is with you neighbours. We hope that some consensus is quickly reached regarding the SA frameowrk on trade in services. In the interest of food security the current trade regulations should be particularly facilitated. Only 4 percent is intra-regional agriculture trade. All the talk about food bank will not work until you have buffer management and each country complies to it strictly. The talk about food security not embedded in macroeconomic policies.