The committee of experts discussing the modalities of the comprehensive treaty regime for the South Asian Free Trade Area (SAFTA) in the capital wound up their meeting Monday agreeing to finalize the draft at the earliest possible.

The meeting that kicked off on Friday dwelt on issues such as tariffs, rules of origin and the steps to be followed while giving compensation.

The meeting held under the chairmanship of Purshottam Ojha, Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies had the representation of members from all the SAARC countries.

The earlier deadline set for SAFTA was Dec 31, 2001. The SAARC member countries have failed to meet the deadline.