Commerce Minister Tofail Ahmed has said trade among the SAARC countries should be increased for the benefits of 1.6 billion people of the region.
The minister, who is now in Thimphu for attending the 8th meeting of ministerial council of the South Asian Free Trade Area (SAFTA), is expected to deliver his speech today, a commerce ministry statement said.
He met the Bhutanese King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuk and Prime Minister Tsheriung Tobgay on Wednesday.
During the meeting, the commerce minister discussed matters relating to regional and bilateral issues that include enhancing trade with the Himalayan Kingdom.
Mr Tofail said the SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) region houses around 1.6 billion people, but contributes only 1.7 per cent to world trade.
He underlined the need for boosting intraregional trade for the greater interest of the region, home to one-fifth of the world's poor.
Tofail stresses more trade among SAARC nations
FE Report | Published: July 24, 2014 00:00:00 | Updated: November 30, 2026 06:01:00
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