|
The South Asia Subregional Economic Cooperation (SASEC) Program, set up in 2001, brings together Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, the Maldives, Nepal and Sri Lanka in a project-based partnership to promote regional prosperity by improving cross-border connectivity, boosting trade among member countries, and strengthening regional economic cooperation.〔(The Daily Star. 2014. ADB gives $21m to help expand South Asian trade. Dhaka. )〕 Since 2001, SASEC countries have implemented 37 (regional projects ) worth more than $6.75 billion in the energy, transport, trade facilitation, and information and communications technology (ICT) sectors. The Manila, Philippines-based Asian Development Bank (ADB) serves as the Secretariat for the SASEC member countries. == Background == South Asia is one of the least economically integrated regions in the world and has much to gain from developing and expanding regional transport networks and energy links. South Asia’s intraregional trade is considerably lower than in other regions.〔(World Bank. 2007. South Asia: Growth and Regional Integration. Washington, DC )〕 In 2010, trade between South Asian countries accounted for only 4.3% of the region's total trade.〔ADB. 2013. South Asia Subregional Economic Cooperation. Manila.〕 This is partly because transport systems in South Asia have been developed with primarily national priorities in mind, rather than with a view to boosting trade by improving cross-border connectivity. As a result, the region has invested insufficiently in critical infrastructure, and cross-border trading systems suffer from a lack of uniformity and compatibility. Other barriers also hold back trade between South Asia countries, such as limited transit arrangements, lack of automated customs procedures, and lengthy administration procedures. South Asian nations have varied but uneven energy resources. However, none has realized the full potential of their energy sources because of insufficient investment in energy infrastructure. The dominance of certain fuel types in certain countries – coal in India, gas in Bangladesh, and hydropower in Bhutan and Nepal – leaves them vulnerable to import dependence.〔(SASEC Brochure )〕 There is also a need to develop renewable energy resources to increase climate change resilience in Maldives and Sri Lanka. This situation could be eased by strengthening cross-border energy networks and trade. Better telecommunications connections would also expand personal and business links, increasing trade at all levels 〔(SASEC nations agree to collaborate on mega subregional ICT project )〕 抄文引用元・出典: フリー百科事典『 ウィキペディア（Wikipedia）』 ■ウィキペディアで「South Asia Subregional Economic Cooperation」の詳細全文を読む スポンサード リンク
|