Everyone has to contribute his share, taking capitalising on the bold initiative taken by leadership of both the countries, said Finance Minister Shaukat Aziz here on Wednesday.
Speaking to media after the Ecnec meeting, he said that Safta would be instrumental in fostering and expanding regional trade required for elimination of poverty in the bilateral and regional context.
Aziz as Minister-in-waiting for 12th Saarc Summit presented to Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpaee the compendium of Pakistani songs by Noor Jehan, Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Mehdi Hasan, Fareeda Khanum to give him the taste of Pakistani music.
He usually listens to Lata (popular Indian singer) while driving, Aziz told the media persons.
Vajpaee presented English version of his 21 poems, translated from Hindi, to Shaukat Aziz. The Indians liked the Pakistani dresses and the Minister called Amir Adnan, popular dress designer especially in Indian suiting, said Aziz.
A lot of follow-up is needed. In February, the talks would be held among parties to move the process forward, auguring well for the region, he added.
Safta is a road map for enhancing co-operation on trade fronts.
This would also help improve Pakistan's image as a peace-loving country in the world.
"Personally, I am encouraged the way the summit proceeded and the declaration adopted by the parties. It would also help resolve Kashmir issue," said Shaukat, adding, that "President Pervez Musharraf and Prime Minister Zafarullah Jamali are quite willing to resolve all issues".