|
|
 |
 |
 |
| Tuesday, 22 July 2003 |
 |
|
 |
Business | |
| News Business Features Editorial Security Politics World Letters Sports Obituaries
|
Relaxing visa rules Most newspapers relegated it to inside pages, but the news that Nepal had eased visa rules for all South Asian citizens and Chinese nationals indicates that SAARC countries are at last moving in the right direction. Sri Lanka took the lead in relaxing visa rules and other countries seem to be following in its wake, albeit rather cautiously. The free movement of people and goods in the SAARC region and in the long term, within Asia itself, is the ideal goal envisioned by many who call for closer integration of countries in our region which has one-fifth of the world's population. The best example one can think of in this regard is the European Union, where borders have virtually disappeared and a common currency, the euro, is in circulation. People from all over the world, not just the residents of the EU, are free to travel within the whole Eurozone if they hold valid travel documents. Such total integration in SAARC and Asia may be far away, given bilateral problems between some countries. Fortunately, India and Pakistan are improving their bilateral links, possibly paving the way for an early gathering of all seven SAARC Heads of State at the next Summit. The goal of a totally borderless, seamlessly integrated South Asia is not impossible to achieve, if top SAARC decision makers put their hearts and minds to it. Sri Lanka, Maldives and Nepal have made a start and other South Asian countries will no doubt observe this action closely. Regional tourism will be the biggest winner if current moves to relax visa rules become successful. The SAARC region has always depended on the big tourist markets of Western Europe, almost neglecting intra-regional tourism. All seven SAARC countries have a sizeable population with a considerable disposable income, part of which can easily be set aside for travel. Until now, strict visa procedures dampened their enthusiasm for travelling to other South Asian countries, although they are only a short plane ride away. With the relaxation of visa rules, we can already see a virtual explosion of travel within our region. Indians, who no longer need visas to come to Sri Lanka, have outranked Germans in the tourist arrival statistics. Needless to say, this is a shot in the arm for our tourist industry as many Indians are even more 'upmarket' than Europeans and Americans. The resumption of the ferry service between the two neighbours and extra air links can only add to this momentum. Visa waivers and other similar moves must be accompanied by an expansion of transport links. For example, a direct flight between Kathmandu and Colombo will immensely benefit citizens of both countries. Apart from the free movement of people, SAARC must accelerate the implementation of the much-talked-about South Asian Free Trade Area. The barrier-free exchange of goods within SAARC will make our region a formidable force in world trade, apart from making goods much more affordable to our own peoples. It will also spur SAARC industrial and agricultural endeavours. SAARC could take a leaf from ASEAN, which will move to a barrier-free trade system within the next three years. The private sector in SAARC countries can propel their governments to act fast on these fronts so that our region does not lag behind in the new world order. A good working network already exists among the movers and shakers of the leading private sector companies in our region. Their voice must be heard loudly and clearly in calls for greater integration in South Asia. |
|
News | Business | Features
| Editorial | Security
Produced by Lake House |
