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India's wait for an Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) berth has to wait till 2010 after the group's leaders decided to take up the issue of membership only after three years.
It is really surprising that India, who is undoubtedly a major economic super-house, was not included as it could have gone a long way in making the regional grouping truly inclusive.
Amidst all this, India has also been blamed for holding up the Doha round of talks, with the US alleging that India appears to have a low level of ambition to freer market access.
It's like the pot calling the kettle black. I strongly feel that if the US and others in the developed bloc were genuinely supporters of free trade as they would have us all believe, then the stalled Doha trade talks would have been over by now.
Instead of blaming the developing nations, they should give up trade-distorting policies first and also take into account the sensibilities of the nations who have to consider the issues of the poor farmers too while negotiating.
India's participation in debating regional issues and removing trade barriers cannot be hijacked by certain nations, who, instead of taking part in the ongoing integration process, rely on their allies in the region to skew developments in East Asia. India today has done more towards striving towards the goal of trade without barriers than several other nations.
I get a feeling that APEC is yet to have a strongly formulated economic agenda. Several nations aspiring to be a member of APEC are in actuality politically motivated. Initially, this influential grouping had trade liberalisation as its main agenda, but in recent times, security issues have dominated. Despite the fact that the grouping is influential because the APEC countries account for over 45% of the global GDP, the economic agenda is still weak and is yet to make an impression.
As such I have real doubts about how much the entry into the group will help India. Without doubt it would indeed be a political victory. But is it what India wants?
India needs clear headed thinking. Our leaders like all leaders elsewhere are only after short term goals. Ideas which will bring then into limelight. The 5-year syndrome.
If we stop our feudalistic thinking then we will be able to think democratically. We have a democracy,but totally lack democratic thinking mindset.
Once that happens-What our leaders say will have more authority in the world forums. Because people will know that the leader speaks for a majority of people and not trying to push his/her personal agenda.
Liberalisation for the developed nations is allowing free trade for the products of their countries and not import of products into their country. U.S.A with all its talk actually would enjoy that all the nations of the world serve its interests. An extremely selfish thinking which India will have to fight tooth and nail.
Free Member, Joined :10/14/2006
No of Topics Posted : 0
Reply/Comments : 7
Dear Mr. Khoshla,
If China and the US are putting hurdles in the way of India joining APEC, perhaps we should try to mould SAARC in the lines of the EEC, with a common currency and free movement of people between member nations. This would immensely increase market size and potential of all member nations, including, of course, India.
However, leaders in Pakistan and Bangladesh may feel it will dilute their political power, and so, may not be willing to co-operate, though a common market usually boosts the economy of participating countries. I don't think the other SAARC countries could be a drag on the Indian economy, the way the East European participation has slowed (temporarily) the EEC.
Yours truly,
B.S.Ganguli.
Free Member, Joined :10/08/2005
No of Topics Posted : 0
Reply/Comments : 9
I agree with Mr.Bhabani Shanker. There will be some problems in the beginning but very soon they will be sorted out. I think our government should pursue the idea. With people of all the SAARC nations having stakes in all the countries, there will be peace too, as no one will want to disturb their livelihoods. Also the strengths of each nation can be utilised for developing better products economically.
Free Member, Joined :10/14/2006
No of Topics Posted : 0
Reply/Comments : 7
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