ISLAMABAD, Dec 4: The Saarc-member countries are likely to sign South Asia Free Trade Agreement (SAFTA) in January next year to increase the volume of regional trade among the member countries.

This was stated by commerce secretary Kamal Afsar in a meeting with Saarc secretary general Q.A.M.A. Rahim here on Thursday.

According to an official announcement, the secretary commerce emphasized the importance of signing SAFTA at the time of forthcoming Saarc summit scheduled to be held on January 3-4, 2004 in Islamabad.

Mr Afsar said that SAFTA could go a long way in reducing poverty in the Saarc region.

Both the secretaries discussed various issues particularly with reference to trade among the Saarc countries. They realized that regional trading arrangements were contributing positively towards economic development of the region and inter-regional and world trade.

The Saarc secretary general appreciated the efforts made by Pakistan in connection with enhancing trade relations among the Saarc countries.