The Hindu Business Line : Stress on creation of common Asian culture

Chennai, Sept. 18 Creation of a common Asian culture is important for regional stability and the emergence of a stable, multi-polar global economy, according to Prof Li Tao, Executive Director, Institute of South Asian Studies, Sichuan University.

Addressing a two-day seminar on ‘Sustaining Asia’s Growth: Challenges and Opportunities’ organised by the Australia-India Council, she said strengthening cultural exchange was important for regional stability. Regional organisations such as the ASEAN, SAARC and APEC have laid the foundation for the growth of the Asian economies and have shown that the western model need not be followed ‘blindly.’

India and China, the two of the largest economies in the region, share a common culture and relation that goes back 2,000 years. Using cultural links to address international issues fits in better with social development, Ms Li Tao said.

Mr N. Ram, Editor-in-Chief, The Hindu, said that India and China must develop in a comprehensive way including in social issues such as health, food and education for Asia to lead the global economy. The building blocks are in place with India and China emerging the economic leaders and recognising the need for cooperation. They have come together on WTO issues.

But both are ‘bringing up the rear’ on climate change issues, he said.

India cannot hope to play a global role unless it does a lot more ground work on social issues such as in health and education for human development. The media too needs to highlight these issues more. The policy makers also need to take a more balanced view on foreign policy with greater engagement with China, Australia, Russia and the ASEAN countries.

Mr Aminur Rahman, Consul General of Australia in Chennai, said Australia’s economic prosperity was tied to Asia. Two of the top five global economies, China and Japan, were in Asia which had close ties with Australia. India was Australia’s fastest growing trade partner with a bilateral trade estimated at about $11 billion and growing at about 30 per cent annually.

A joint feasibility study was on to improve trade and this study would soon be followed up with negotiations to establish a FTA between the two countries. Trade ties apart, Australia would soon introduce to India “Australian rules football,” he said.

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