December 3, 2003	Wednesday	Shawwal 8, 1424

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ISLAMABAD, Dec 2: The Saarc Technical Committee on Communications and Transport on Tuesday called for enhanced cooperation among the member states for promotion of telecommunication links and utilisation of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) within the region.

This urge was made in a detailed action plan envisaging a comprehensive strategy for cooperation to facilitate the enhancement and expansion of telecommunication facilities in the region, here.

The plan was worked out following the conclusion of two-day deliberations of the third meeting of the Saarc Technical Committee on Transport and Communications.

In the action plan proposed for consideration by the Saarc communication ministers in their meeting to be held in the near future, the committee recognised the rapid technological changes taking place globally in the field of telecommunications and its vital role in promoting economic development and called for enhancing regional cooperation in the region.

The action plan also called for minimising disparities within and among member states in the telecommunication field.

The committee felt that it was high time to harness telecommunication technologies for the socio-economic uplift of the region through infrastructure development by optimal sharing of available resources and enhanced cooperation in technology transfer, standardisation and human resource development.

The committee recommended that a coordinated approach be evolved on issues of common concern in international telecommunications fora. It also called for reducing telecom tariffs within the SAARC region within the framework of cost- orientation based on international benchmarks.

The action plan also exhorted the member states to facilitate intra-regional communications for the travellers and entrepreneurs by promoting country-direct services, calling cards, cellular roaming and liberalised leased lines within the regulatory frameworks of the member states.

For this purpose, the committee urged the member states to complete digitalization of inter-country links by December 2004; ensure settlement of inter operator revenues in line with the timeframe set under International Telecommuni-cation Regulations; promote calling card services by facilitating centralised or decentralised credit clarification systems; establish an intra- regional high bandwidth hub for leased lines; and promote cellular roaming facility within the region.

The committee asked the member states to encourage cooperation among regulatory authorities and administrations to develop policies to increase tele-density and access to Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) at affordable tariffs.

“The member states should promote research and development activities and exchange of expertise in telecommunications disciplines,” it said.

The action plan also called for stepping up efforts for development of human resources in the telecom sector through greater cooperation and better utilisation of the existing training facilities in the region. It urged the member states to provide fellowships in the respective fields.

The plan also urged the member states to liberalize telecommunication services and adopt suitable measures to ensure universal access, development of rural services and affordable tariffs.

“The member states should cooperate in the development of plans for utilization of ICTs in e-commerce, health care, education and other areas by exchange of information and expertise,” the plan envisaged.