South Asian countries must cooperate with each other for sustainable development – Yousuf Raza Gillani

South Asian countries must cooperate with each other for sustainable development – Yousuf Raza Gillani

While addressing Boao Forum for Asia’s annual conference in Boao, China, Prime Minister of Pakistan, Yousuf Raza Gillani has expressed that the South Asian countries must put behind their differences so that they can start to work for the betterment of their
masses and eradicate poverty.

South Asia is one of the most gifted lands on earth but political differences among the neighbors have caused immense instability in the region. Historically, the instable situation in South Asia has invited foreign invaders as well.

On top of that, there is massive poverty in the region and a huge number of people live under the poverty line, but quite unfortunately, the South Asian countries spend a great amount of money on defence.

India and Pakistan are two major players of the region but they have shared extremely bitter relations since their separation in 1947 and have fought three full-fledge wars.

Gillani also claimed that the Government of Pakistan is moving in the right direction to give the ‘Most Favoured Nation’ (MFN) status to India. The Prime Minister empasized on the point that the neighbors must cooperate with each other in all the field of
life and especially trade, if they want to come out of the bitter past.

"If we do not establish a regional harmony based on trade, investment and economic growth, we fear we will remain hostage to the past. We can break free of this past," said Gillani.

However, there is another school of though in Pakistan which believe that India and Pakistan must resolve their disputes before having trade relations.  

Gillani feels that the future belongs to Asia and the biggest continent of the world has the ability to regain its hegemony in next two or three decades.

He feels that the major countries of the region like China, India and Pakistan must play a huge role in this regard, with the cooperation of the other countries. Regional cooperation can change the fortunes of South Asian people.

The Prime Minister added, “In short, we may well be witnessed the birth of a new world. We have to remain vigilant and greater international coordination will be required among all stakeholders and international financial institutions.”

Short URL: https://www.newspakistan.pk/?p=17949

Posted by Yasir Hashmi on Apr 3 2012. Filed under Latest News, Pakistan, South Asia. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry