As
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh arrives in Phnom Penh on Sunday, he is
likely to hear a common refrain in this part of the world: India is
sorely needed here, but India is too slow.
The Hindu, New Delhi,
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will travel to Cambodia tomorrow to attend
the ASEAN and East Asia Summits on the sidelines of which he is
expected to meet leaders of some other countries, including China.
Dr. Singh, who was initially scheduled to visit Japan also before it was
cancelled, will be in the Cambodian capital Phnom Penh for three days.
The three—day visit to Japan from November 15 was cancelled just a day
ahead in view of sudden political developments there with Prime Minister
Yoshihiko Noda deciding to announce early elections.
During his visit to Cambodia, Dr Singh is expected to pitch for
increased trade and investment between India and ASEAN, a grouping of 10
South East Asian countries, against the backdrop of economic crisis
hitting Europe and other parts of the western world.
India and ASEAN are holding negotiations on a Free Trade Agreement in
Services and Investment and are keen to conclude these before the Summit
on November 19. The two sides have already signed FTA in Goods.
During the last India—ASEAN Summit held in Bali in Indonesia, Dr Singh
had cited the global economic downturn to push for conclusion of a
“commercially—meaningful” Services and Investment pact by March this
year to create a positive atmosphere for implementation of the
Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement.
He had also highlighted the need for greater connectivity and
cooperation on security issues, including maritime security,
counter—terrorism, training, exercises and disaster management.
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