US for integrating South Asian countries, says Craig hall

Kolkata: The United States remains committed to advancing regional integration among South Asian countries and is a key advocate for strengthening regional economic connectivity, US consul general Craig Hall said on Wednesday.

“The US consulate, Kolkata, is part of the effort, partly due to the city’s strategic location at the crossroads between South and South-East Asia, which makes it a natural hub for regional connectivity,” Mr Hall said after a roundtable conference on Indo-Asian connectivity at the American Center here.

The meet was organised by US consulate general in partnership with the Consumer Unity and Trust Society (CUTS International). “Private sector participation and engagement are crucial to our approach, which seeks to create an enabling environment for business, stimulate investment and enhance regional stability and security through inclusive growth,” Mr Hall added.

“Working hand-in-hand with local partners, the United States is committed to making greater connectivity a reality in South Asia,” he said. He referred to the large conference on Indo-Pacific connectivity in last December in which 300 participants, including three U.S. ambassadors from across the region discussed US priorities in the region as well as heard from regional stakeholders.

The conference brought together key policy makers: businessmen, government officials, media personnel and academics from India, South and Southeast Asia and the US to identify and discuss common issues of concern obstructing the free flow of goods, services, explore investment opportunities and recommend possible solutions.