April 22, 2008	Tuesday	Rabi-us-Sani 15, 1429

RAWALPINDI, April 21: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) plans a study to explore the potential role of Pakistan and India in identifying feasible, long-term domestic policy reforms, strategic reforms and strategic measures supportive of regional integration in South Asia.

A framework for integrating these reforms and strategic measures into national development plans will also be provided to ensure implementation and sustainability, says an ADB report made available to Dawn on Sunday.

The bank’s study is expected to facilitate the adoption of long-term domestic policy reforms needed to achieve regional objectives.

According to the report, the study: “South Asia Regional Cooperation in 2030: the Potential Role of India and Pakistan” is to start next month with review and preparation for the “South Asia 2030” issues to be completed by May 31.

The “India 2030” study is envisioned to start by mid-2008 and the “Pakistan 2030” study will be conducted in 2009, it says.

The ADB plans to disseminate the studies through national workshops in participating countries and an international conference at ADB headquarters in Manila.