10 March 2005	Thursday	28 Muharram 1426

KARACHI, March 9: The second ministerial conference organized by Asian Development Bank (ADB) on Trade and Transport in the Central and South Asia held in Manila, Philippines from March 3-4 , approved the formation of trade and customs working group of the forum.

The conference aimed at expansion of trade among the Central and South Asian countries through land routes, regional transit arrangement, road infrastructure development, cross border facilities and prevention of human and drug trafficking and money laundering.

Pakistan delegation to the conference was led by Additional Secretary Ministry of Communications and comprised Director General Ports and Shipping Captain Anwar Shah, Collector Customs Javed Ghani and other officials.

The conference approved the formation of trade and customs working group of the forum and its terms of reference in order to start implementation of the Corridor Development Plan.

Pakistan being an active member of this group stressed the need for the actualization of the aims and objectives of the forum. The conference expressed its satisfaction over the progress made since the first ministerial meeting and renewed commitment to promote economic growth and development in the sub-region through enhanced road connectivity.

The conference also appreciated the active role of the ADB for providing technical assistance to support the Central and South Asia Trade and Transport Forum. Sources said the well-defined and positive approach of Pakistan delegation in the conference was acknowledged. Delegates from Afghanistan, Iran, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan also attended the conference besides, representatives of China, India, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan as observer countries.