SAARC not only about India: Vaidya

KATHMANDU, July 21: President of SAARC Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SAARC CCI) Suraj Vaidya have said that the world should come out of illusion that SAARC is all about India. Stating that such illusion is hindering trade among SAARC member countries as well as SAARC's international trade, Vaidya emphasized the need to remove this misconception. Speaking at a program organized to mark completion of 100 days by the new executive committee of SAARC CCI, Vaidya said, SAARC CCI will work to remove this incorrect conception about SAARC. He also said that SAARC CCI was preparing to raise the issue in future dialogues in the USA and the United Nations. Vaidya also said that SAARC CCI was launching 'Beyond SAARC' campaign in the near future with an aim to bring foreign investment in SAARC countries.  He also highlighted the need to increase regional investment, promote industrialization, and develop smart green villages and youth entrepreneurship to enhance economy of the region. Vaidya, who is also the former president of Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, also said that the new executive committee of SAARC CCI visited different SAARC nations recently to know about economic prospects, challenges and trade status of those countries. SAARC CCI has been working to increase cross-border trade among SAARC nations. It is also working to increase investment in industrial sector, foster regional assistance in trade, and develop entrepreneurship, according to Vaidya. SAARC CCI recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Pakistani authorities for establishment of SAARC Industrial Park in Faridabad of Pakistan. SAARC CCI has recently established SAARC Development Fund in Bhutan, according to Vaidya.