Plan for South Asian Trade Zone Advances
The impoverished nations of South Asia agreed on the framework for a free trade zone that would encompass one-fifth of the world’s population.
The broad framework of the accord was decided in Islamabad, Pakistan, by foreign ministers preparing for a summit of India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, the Maldives and Bhutan. The pact would allow the free flow of goods and establish a regional development bank, Indian External Affairs Minister Yashwant Sinha said.
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