In the communiqué the SAARC leaders recognized the need to continue to address the major barriers hindering effective trade liberalization in the region, which include sensitive lists of items and Non-Trade Barriers (NTBs).
They directed that the decision to revise the sensitive lists by the SAFTA Ministerial Council (SMC) be implemented early.
And in mending the sensitive lists special consideration be given to the SAARC LDCs (least developed countries), the leaders categorically stated in their recommendation.
They directed the SAFTA committee of experts to expeditiously resolve the issue of non-tariff and para-tariff measures to facilitate and enhance trade under the free-trading regime stipulated in the now-dormant SAFTA.
The declaration adopted in the concluding session at Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall focused on collective regional efforts in core areas of food, energy security, trade, combating terrorism, climate change, connectivity, terrorism. partnership for growth for the peoples of the region, environment, water resources, poverty alleviation, SDF, transport, ICT Development, SAFTA and Trade Facilitation and SAARC Social Charter.
Afghan President Hamid Karzai, Bangladesh Chief Adviser Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed, Bhutanese Prime Minister Jigmi Thinley, Prime Minister of India Dr Manmohan Singh, Maldives President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, Nepals Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala and Pakistan Prime Minister Syed Yousaf Gilani were present at the concluding function, chaired by current SAARC chairperson and President of Sri Lanka Mahinda Rajapaksa.
The heads of state or government renewed their resolve for collective regional efforts to accelerate economic growth, social progress and cultural development which would promote the welfare of the peoples of South Asia and improve their quality of life and thereby contribute to peace, stability, amity and progress in the region.
On combat against terrorism, the SAARC leaders expressed deep concern over the serious threat posed by terrorism to the peace, stability and security of the region.
They emphasized the need for strongest possible cooperation in the fight against terrorism and trans-national organized crime amongst the relevant agencies of the member-states, especially in the area of information exchange.
Appreciating the signing of the SAARC Convention on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters at the 15th summit today, they urged early ratification and implementation of the new common instrument of fight.
On energy front, the heads of state or government stressed the urgent need for developing the regional hydro potential, grid connectivity and gas pipelines.
They noted that the possibility of evolving an appropriate regional inter-governmental framework may be explored to facilitate such an
They welcomed Sri Lanka’s offer to host the third Meeting of SAARC Energy Ministers in Colombo in 2009.
On partnership for growth for the peoples of South Asia, the heads of state or government observed that an effective and economical regional telecommunications regime is an essential factor of connectivity, encouraging the growth of people-centric partnerships.
They stressed the need for the member-states to make effort to move towards a uniform applicable low tariff for international direct-dial calls within the region.
The declaration stressed the necessity of fast-tracking projects for improving intra-regional connectivity and facilitating economic, social and people-to-people contact.
Putting their heads together on environment and climate change, the South Asian heads of state or government resolved to work together to prevent and address the threats to the livelihood of the peoples and to provide access to remedies when these rights are violated. They would also find an equitable distribution of responsibilities and rights among member-states.
They also emphasized the need for assessing and managing its risks and impacts. In this regard, they called for an in-depth study on Climate Justice.
The declaration carries concern at the human loss suffered through natural disaster in the region and stress on the need for the timely provision of relief in humanitarian emergencies.
The leaders directed creating a Natural Disaster Rapid Response Mechanism to adopt a coordinated and planned approach to meet such emergencies under the aegis of the SAARC Disaster Management Centre.
They expressed deep concern over global climate change and its impact on the lives and livelihoods in the region while expressed satisfaction at the adoption of SAARC Action Plan and Dhaka Declaration on Climate Change by the SAARC Environment Ministers at the SAARC Ministerial Meeting in the Bangladesh capital on July 3, 2008.
On water resources, the SAARC leaders directed initiation of process of capacity building and encouragement of research, combining conservation practices such as rainwater harvesting, and river- basin management to ensure sustainability of water resources in South Asia.
Expressing deep concern at the looming global water crisis, they recognized that South Asia must be at the forefront of bringing a new focus to the conservation of water resources.
On poverty alleviation, the declaration emphasized undertaking sustained efforts, including developing and implementing regional and sub-regional projects towards the attainment of SAARC Development Goals (SDGs).
It was stated that the decision by the Ministers on Poverty Alleviation to obtain an inter-governmental midterm review of the attainment of the SDGs to be completed by 2009.
The SAARC leaders welcomed Nepal’s offer to host next Ministerial Meeting on poverty alleviation.
They expressed satisfaction at the signing of the SAARC Development Fund and also the launch and identification of the projects on women empowerment, maternal and child health and teacher training under the social window of SDF.
They accepted with appreciation Bhutan’s offer to set up SDF Secretariat in Thimpu.
Acknowledging the significant steps taken to alleviate poverty in the region, the heads of state or government resolved to combat poverty by all available means, especially through peoples empowerment.
On transport sector, expressing satisfaction at the progress through the meetings of the Ministers of Transport, the SAARC leaders reiterated the critical importance of an efficient multimodal transport system in the region for integration and for sustaining the regions economic growth and competitiveness.
They urged early implementation in a gradual and phased manner of the proposals of the SAARC Regional Multimodal Transport Study (SRMTS) and took note of the progress made in the consideration of the draft of Motor Vehicle Agreement (MVA).
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