SAARC biz leaders call for more regional connectivity

SAARC business leaders today pitched for a greater regional connectivity to unleash shared prosperity through economic cooperation amid growing protectionism across the world.

At a time when the world economy is getting back to protectionism and is looking inward, the ways to grow regional connectivity among SAARC nations is of great importance, SAARC CII (SCCI) president Suraj Vaidya said at the SAARC Business Leaders Conclave here.

He said the industry body is working closely with all South Asian countries to enhance regional connectivity both through road and rail link and work is afoot to bring together on common energy market in terms of trade of electricity.

Speaking on the occasion, Nepalese Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli expressed hope that the regional cooperation among the South Asian nations will boost further with the hill nation now getting a stable government.

"Our political transition is complete, we are now in transitional phase for economic development. Our slogan is development and prosperity for which the private and public sector has to work together. My government is very clear about that," Sharma said.

Delivering his address on 'Unleashing Shared Prosperity through Economic Integration, he said the Nepalese government is very clear about its policy to promote the business community by inviting private sector for investment.

Talking about the potential of Nepal, he said around 15 per cent of its population is working outside the country which shows how energetic they are and also reflective of the fact that Nepalese population is very young.

The three-day SCCI event will see participation from business thinkers, doers and change makers on a common platform to discuss debate and create solutions and opportunities to take South Asia on the path of shared prosperity through economic integration.