Sunday, November 13, 2005

India offers open skies pact for SAARC - Sify.com

India offers open skies pact for SAARC
UNI, Sunday, 13 November , 2005, 11:57

Dhaka: Pleading with SAARC countries not to allow their territories to be used against the interests of other member nations, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today offered to a virtual open sky policy and unveiled a slew of other far-reaching initiatives to promote peace and trade in a big way in the South Asian region.

Following are the highlights of his address at the inaugural function of the 13th SAARC summit which was attended by heads of state or government from all the seven-member nations -- India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan and the Maldives: * Daily air services by designated airlines to Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad and Kolkata and unrestricted services to 18 other destinations on reciprocal basis.

Reciprocal transit facilities to promote intra and inter-SAARC trade.

India wants to host a South Asian University.

Establishment of a Regional Food Bank.

South Asian Car Rally ahead of SAARC summit in Delhi in Jan 2007.

Launch of South Asian Energy Dialogue.

Establishment of SAARC High Economic Council.

SAARC Museum of Textiles and Handicrafts.

Retail outlets for SAARC artisans.



Read the full article at : India offers open skies pact for SAARC - Sify.com

No comments: