From rxpgnews.com
Kalam's vision for SAARC: freedom from poverty, illiteracy
By IANS,
Apr 3, 2007 - 9:48:03 PM
New Delhi, April 3 - Presenting his 'Vision for SAARC 2017', President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Tuesday urged South Asian leaders to free the region from poverty and illiteracy by increasing connectivity.
Welcoming the head of states and of governments of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation at the Rashtrapati Bhavan or the presidential palace here, he said: 'Together we represent 1.47 billion people of this planet, which is around 25 percent of the world population.'
Kalam pointed out the unique aspects of the SAARC countries: the high intensity of bio-diversity, the largest population of youth, the potential of the combined purchasing power to be the highest in the world, and a civilisational heritage that goes back for thousands of years.
'What better environment can any region in the world have, which is more favourable for socio-economic development, promoting peace and prosperity of the region as a whole, if we share a common vision and work together to realise our vision through dynamic missions,' he said.
Kalam's Vision for SAARC 2017 includes
* The people living below poverty line will become near zero from the existing 25 percent.
* The per capita income of the SAARC region will increase from the present $2,777 to $10,000.
* Infant mortality rate will become less than 10 per thousand from the present 260 per thousand in some member states.
* All SAARC countries will be free from water-borne diseases and will receive affordable, quality healthcare.
* The SAARC countries will realise the goal of 100 percent literacy from the existing less than 40 percent in some of the member countries.
* All citizens of the SAARC countries will be empowered with quality education, healthcare and employment potential leading to overall enhancement in prosperity and happiness.
Noting that each SAARC country has several core competencies, Kalam called for collectively pooling them for mutual benefits.
'Since over one billion citizens of SAARC countries live in villages, there is an urgency for all of us to improve the conditions of rural life through better physical connectivity, electronic connectivity, knowledge connectivity, which together will lead to comprehensive economic connectivity,' Kalam said.
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