New Delhi: Although there is a large -magnitude -magnitude and infrastructure development plan, South Asia remains the most unintegrated region in the world – only 5 percent of its total trade in the region. Greater integration and smooth connectivity can see an increase in trade with an estimated $ 44 billion, according to Cecile Fruman, Director, Regional Integration and involvement in the South Asian region (SAR), the World Bank.

“This is an area that is not well integrated in terms of connectivity. It takes 138 hours to move the truck across the border from India to Bangladesh, and there are 22 required documents and 55 signatures. So in many ways, South Asia is not well integrated, “Fruman, who visited India, said in an interview with a print.

“South Asia’s intra-regional trade is only 5 percent of the total trade, and that is only 20 percent of what can happen, according to our estimate. So, if this is to be integrated at the trade level, we can see additional trade of around $ 44 billion, “he said.

He showed that as a comparison, intra-regional trade was 22 percent of the total trade in the association of 10 members of Southeast Asian countries (ASEAN), and 60 percent in 27-members of the European Union (EU).

“The greater integration is a source of growth and is also a source of prosperity and inclusion. We see benefits in various fields. If we have more free trade agreements and smooth connectivity, we can see some of these benefits, “said Fruman.

According to him, India only benefits if doing more trade with East Asia, ASEAN and others, thus making the value chain “tougher”.

“There is a role for many partners to gather together in this regard. His needs are greater in investment and infrastructure. There is a role for multilateral organizations such as the World Bank and for bilateral organizations as well, “he added.