Increase of trade volumes, a priority for SAARC - Prof. Peiris
External Affairs Minister Prof G. L. Peiris delivered the inaugural
address as chief guest at the conference on trade facilitation in South
Asia, organized by the SAARC Federation of Commerce and Industry at the
Taj Samudra Hotel recently.
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External Affairs Minister Prof G. L. Peiris with delegates |
Noting the need to enhance volumes of trade within the SAARC region,
the minister identified some of the principal constraints. These include
non tariff barriers like technical and health certification
requirements, quantitative restrictions, the lack of uniformity of
import licensing and registering procedures, the inadequacy of transit
facilities and the absence of harmonization of customs clearance
procedures and customs classifications.
Prof. Peiris stressed the importance of a single document for
clearance of goods among Member States, electronic data transmission
systems and single window authorization.
He said that the business leaders of the SAARC countries have a major
role to play in highlighting the need for action in this regard.
Connectivity is a crucial element in this regard, he added. President
of the SAARC Chamber of Commerce and Industry Vikramjit Singh Sahney and
President of the Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Sri
Lanka Kumar Mallimaratchi presided.
Participants from the SAARC countries included exporters, public
sector policy makers, members of the academic community and journalists. |
