Speaking at the ongoing High-level plenary session of the China South Asia Peace and Development Forum in Kunming, China on Sunday, Pandey said that SAARC countries have been enjoying excellent relations with China. China has been an observer of the SAARC for the past several years. The conference was inaugurated by Chinese Vice-President Li Yuanchao on Saturday. [break]
Pandey said that SAARC member countries are expanding historic relations with China in various sectors, such as, trade, investment, tourism and so on.
"South Asian countries and China gain economic prosperity if there will be deep exchange in the fields of education, tourism, energy, investment, trade, climate change and disaster management," he said, adding "It is already taking place and I am particularly happy that Kunming is emerging as a gateway of China to South Asia."
Giving his speech at the high level plenary session, Chinese Vice-president Li said "over the decades, countries in South Asia have lost many development opportunities to territorial disputes, sectarian strife, and ethnical conflicts. Three decades of war in Afghanistan have made over 11 million people refugees, and the civil war of Sri Lanka displaced more than 700,000 people."
While talking about economic prosperity of South Asia, the Chinese Vice president said that South Asia´s economy grew by only about four percent annually in between the 1960s and 1980s whereas the "Four Asian Tigers" were rocketing at 10 percent.
"History tells us, to pursue economic growth and better livelihood, we must first and foremost secure peace and stability", he said.
The speakers of Afghanistan and Bangladesh parliaments including several prominent former ministers and senior politicians from the South Asian region are taking part in the 3-day event in Kunming.
Related story
As SAARC Turns Forty…
