‘Saarc Inc’ will outlive the cynics: Ficci chief

Rohit Bansal

New Delhi, Jan 4: India Inc, at least the Ficci part of it, has invested considerable hope and energies on the Saarc summit. There are two explanations, somewhat inter-related. First, Ficci has the pious belief that Saarc is an idea whose time shall come. Not today, for sure, but one day. Second, Ficci is the nodal point from the Indian side at the Saarc Chamber of Commerce and Industry. So, that should explain!

Is there hope that Saarc leaders will learn from the rest of the world, most of all the ‘United States of Europe’? “In a word, yes,” asserts Ficci president RS Lodha, as he rummages through supportive text the Saarc chamber wants heads of state and government from the seven member states to think about. “A sea change may not come in Kathmandu. Or the next summit. But does that mean we stop trying? Surely, one day, political leaderships will see the merit of a single market, and closer integration,” he philosophises.

One day! But haven’t Saarc summits gone on for 16 years now with nothing to show off, save a photo-op, and what India and Pakistan said—or didn’t say—to each other? “True, bilateral matters between India and Pakistan have pre-dominated over the burning issues before the our citizens,” Mr Lodha concedes gamely. “But that can change. Look at the overwhelming rationale,” he warms up. “There are so many opportunities to work jointly. Water resources, tourism, gas...you name it!”

True, but is that new? Saarc politicians—and the army general—have known all that for so long. Today, we have a rogue member-nation, Pakistan, spending large proportions of its national energy in de-stabilising India. How can one hope of market integration? “I don’t deny that,” Mr Lodha ponders, “but we need to keep on trying. Look at Bangladesh. With the new government coming in there’s such a welcome thaw. In textiles, as a ‘least developed country’, we can set up units there. In gas, suddenly, innovative business models seem possible. Third country companies are creating a new climate. Tapping opportunity in each other’s market is already more acceptable, politically”.

So what would emerge out of Kathmandu? “The Pak chamber is here. Businessmen from the five other countries are here. Trying to bring back the focus...to put the pressure”. On what? “First, that cynicism can’t go on for ever. Second, Saarc Inc will outlive that sentiment. Third, Saarc (ultimately) means business!”

Mere words? Before Mr Lodha can answer, Ficci secretary-general Amit Mitra intervenes. “Arre sir!My president won’t go all the way to Kathmandu, unless there was hope!” Point?