Regional integration in South Asia : essays in honour of Dr. M. Rahmatullah
Abstract
This is ARTNeT Book Review No. 33, 'Regional Integration in South Asia: Essays in Honour of Dr. M Rahmatullah', Prabir De and Mustafizur Rahman (Eds.), reviewed by Rajeev Ranjan Chaturvedy.
The rise of Asia represents a seminal turning point in history. Indeed, the next age of globalization could ultimately belong to Asia, reflected by a significant transfer of economic power. As a consequence of Asia's rise on the global economic map, it has necessitated greater interconnection within, and with, the outside world. This development of interconnection is taking place between nations as well as across regions and sub-regions in Asia. We are witnessing emerging corridors and several regional integration initiatives aimed at linking economic agents within a country or across regions by providing connection between economic nodes or hubs where economic re-sources and actors are concentrated. The objectives of such proposals are to strengthen regional integration and inclusive growth by bringing in lagging regions into the growth process. The book under review is a wonderful tribute to Dr M Rahmatullah who relentlessly championed the cause of multimodal connectivity in South Asia, and also seamless movement of goods across all of Asia. His seminal contributions had put connectivity as central to economic prosperity and regional economic integration in the region. The editors De and Rahman have done a remarkable job by bringing together eminent experts contributing a wide range of issues relating to regional integration.
