Trade officials from the seven nation SAARC will meet again in Kathmandu for three days from December 27 to prepare a draft framework for a South Asian Free Trade Arrangement (SAFTA) to be
presented at the summit of the regional grouping in Islamabad in the second week of January next year, officials said.
The third two-day meeting concluded in the capital Saturday discussed in detail issues related to the internal arrangement and the objectives of SAFTA.. The meeting was held at joint secretary level.
Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Industry Commerce and Supplies Purshottam Ojha said, “Major issues such as trade, liberalization, safeguard measures and rules of origin are yet to be discussed.
He disclosed that representatives from all the member states were positive to give final shape to the draft.
Bilateral differences between India and Pakistan have marred the grouping’s progress. Indian officials recently said New Delhi might not attend the Pakistan summit if progress is not recorded in trade and economic issues.