Stability pre-requisite for economic growth in South Asia: SCCI's Pakistan chapter chief and trade leader Iftikhar Ali Malik

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan chapter of SAARC Chambers of Commerce and Industry ( SCCI) today hailed the optimistic outcome of Indo-Pak foreign ministerial meeting held in New Delhi.

"Durable harmony and resolution of all core issue through peaceful parleys is pre-requisite for stability and economic growth in the region," SCCI's Pakistan chapter chief and trade leader Iftikhar Ali Malik said in a statement here.

He said that the constructive discussion in congenial atmosphere at meeting held between External Affairs Minister S M Krishna and his Pakistani counterpart Hina Rabbani Khar on all important issues confronting the two nuclear powers including Kashmir issue is a good omen for the region.

India and Pakistan today announced new Confidence Building Measures which will include increasing cross-LoC trading days and expanding travel to include tourism and religious aspects.

SCCI has fully supported the government-industry partnership and remained engaged in dialogue with governments of the SAARC region, he said.

Malik said successful SAARC conference held Islamabad recently was a one good step towards normalisation of relations between the two nuclear states.

SCCI can play a pivotal role in deepening and widening economic and regional co-operation with special focus on stamping out the ever increasing menace of terror in the region, he said.