ACD ministerial meeting concludes
07 April, 2005
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| ISLAMABAD: A general view of the inaugural session of the fourth ministerial meeting of the Asia Cooperation Dialogue (ACD), attended by the represent |
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ISLAMABAD, April 07 (Online): The fourth Ministerial Meeting of Asia Cooperation Dialogue was successfully concluded on Wednesday at Islamabad. It was preceded by a high-level seminar on 5th April on the them of "Economic Cooperation in Asia".
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Russian Federation were accepted as members of the Asia Cooperation Dialogue (ACD) on Wednesday at the fourth ministerial meeting at Islamabad presided over by Foreign Minister of Pakistan Khurshid Mehmood Kasuri. The meeting was attended by foreign ministers and ministers of the 26 countries. The meeting agrees to adopt the Islamabad declaration as well as Islamabad initiative.
The out come of the fourth ministerial meeting at Islamabad declaration and Islamabad initiative would strengthen the foundation of movement towards the vision of common greater Asian Neighbourhood or Asian Community. It agreed that Asia must consist of peaceful societies cooperation with each other in harmony in diverse fields for their common goods, progress, prosperity and happiness of their people.
These were the main features of Islamabad declaration as it recognized that Asian Economic face common challenges in terms of energy scarcity, poverty and financial instability and agreed to promote ways and means to overcome these challenges through cooperation and shearing of resources.
Among the key elements, it also underlined Asia's growing contribution and significant in the world affairs and agreed that the next UN Secretary General should come from Asia.
It also addressed the development aspects of the current process of reforms being undertaken at the United Nations and in this regard, it underlined the need for strengthening the ECOSOC besides the UN Security Council to address various challenges to peace and development.
The Islamabad declaration also resolved to direct the phenomenon of globalization towards benefits of marginalized sub-region, ensuring better terms and opportunities for the developing countries. Among the specific elements, it reinforced its support to Asian Bond Market implementing realistic educational and vocational training programmes for the working children to reduce incidence of poverty, establishment of an Asian University with a view to closing the digital divide and to meet future challenges in the region.
The ministerial meeting also endorsed Pakistan's vision for harmonization of standards amongst the ACD countries by establishing an Asian institute of standards which would make the development, manufacturing and supply of products and services more efficient and safer.
These were the main features of the Islamabad initiative as it stressed to establish a center for human resource development to equip Asian workers and professionals with necessary technical and language skills and improve their efficiency, making them more attractive in the global labour market.
Construct ACD wide East and West Information and communication corridor enhance cooperation for secure and assured supply as well as collaboration for development and application of renewable resources between the Finance and Trade Ministries at high level. Consultation amongst the ACD security Regulators and Stock Exchanges as well collaboration among the Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
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