Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting Manish Tewari today appealed to SAARC countries to put aside their "little differences" so as to reap greater demographic dividends, not only in political terms, but also to strengthen the economy.
Inaugurating the 12th apex body meet of the South Asian Association of Regional Cooperation (SAARC) engineers' forum here today, Tewari called for enhanced cooperation to ensure that the region became an economic powerhouse.
Maintaining that South Asia, which is home to 2/5ths of humanity, had unparalleled human resources, Tewrai said the region would become prosper economically, "provided we are able to put our little differences aside".
"I think SAARC possibly represents the most unique opportunity where regional cooperation in the years to come will not only pave the way for creation of the South Asian identity, but would also ensure that we are able to leverage our human resources," Tewari said.
Tewari said India had always maintained that it not only wanted to see SAARC strengthened in political terms, but "would also like to see SAARC augmented in economic terms" as well.
"The South Asian Free Trade Area, the creation of the South Asian common market, is something which is eventually going to be in the interest of all who populate this region or call it home," he said.
Referring to the reconstruction of Afghanistan following the departure of international forces, and the developments in Myanmar towards peace and prosperity, Tewari said, "The engineering community of Asia possibly has a unique set of opportunities, available right in the neighbourhood... We can help those fellow nations who... Are in need of our expertise.
