Dear Readers, South Asia presents a dismal picture for regional integration. It accounts for only 3 percent of the world's gross domestic product (GDP) with almost 40% of its inhabitants falling below the international poverty line of $1.25 per day. Daunting challenges from climate change, environmental degradation, increasing inequalities, etc pose serious threats to growth and prosperity; it is not surprising that the region remains among the least integrated in the world. Today regionalization has gained momentum as an indispensable form of increasing trade amongst countries. Regional cooperation and integration has vast potential for accelerating economic growth, reducing poverty and economic disparity within and across the countries involved. The 13th Economic Cooperation Organisation (ECO) Summit that concluded in Islamabad can prove to be the engine to do just that. This Summit was a success for Pakistan, one of its founding members and was attended by Presidents, Prime Ministers and Deputy Prime Ministers confirming Pakistan's standing in the region and beyond as well as its importance. India's attempts to isolate Pakistan would have received a huge jo Afghanistan's decision to attend the summit on a very low level through its Ambassador in Islamabad would only have served to isolate Afghanistan. This summit was significant in terms of preparing for the future and there is reason to believe that over time the expanded connectivity, enhanced trade and deeper economic cooperation envisaged can transform the region into an area of peace and prosperity. For the benefit of readers my article titled "ECO GAMECHANGER" is being reproduced.
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