Dhaka: A two-day long consultative workshop on the preparation of the first SAARC Development Report (SDR) was launched at a hotel in the capital this morning. The General Economics Division (GED) of the Planning Commission hosted the workshop where delegates from Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka attended.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the SAARC Secretariat coordinated the overall arrangements of the workshop with the technical and logistical support of the Asian Development Bank (ADB). This event is being conducted as part of an earlier initiative of the SAARC Secretariat to finalize the SAARC Development Report (SDR) 2025. The theme of the workshop is ‘SDR 2025: Shaping the Future Together for a Resilient SAARC.’
Dr. Monzur Hossain, Member (Secretary) of the General Economics Division, inaugurated the workshop as the chief guest. Prathma Uprety, Director, Information and Poverty Alleviation Division, SAARC Secretariat, and Dongxiang Li, Lead Regional Cooperation Specialist, Asian Development Bank, Manila, also spoke at the workshop, said a press release.
Dr. Posh Raj Pandey, Consultant, ADB, presented the draft of the SDR. Delegates of member countries also made country presentations on ‘Resilient SAARC to Shape Future Together – Country Perspective’. In his inaugural speech, Chief Guest Dr. Monzur Hossain commended the SAARC Secretariat for facilitating the consultation.
He emphasized that the SAARC Development Report must be prepared with thorough analysis, broad consultation, and implemented efficiently to make a real impact on people’s lives. He acknowledged and thanked the Asian Development Bank for its logistical and technical support in organizing the consultative workshop.
Dr. Hossain further noted the potential for SAARC to unlock immense potential for trade and investment by reducing non-tariff barriers, improving logistics, and expanding cross-border transport and digital connectivity. Highlighting regional challenges, he stressed bridging the digital divide and promoting SME development to ensure inclusive and sustainable growth.
Prathma Uprety, Director, SAARC Secretariat, stated that the SAARC Secretariat is committed to promoting deeper regional cooperation and resilience across South Asia. Hoe Yun Jeong, Country Director, ADB, emphasized the importance of strengthened regional cooperation for a resilient and sustainable future for South Asia, highlighting ADB’s commitment to creating more jobs, promoting clean energy, and protecting public health.
Dongxiang Li, Lead Regional Cooperation Specialist, ADB, addressed the SAARC-ADB Consultative Workshop on the preparation of the SAARC Development Report 2025, reaffirming ADB’s commitment to deepening partnerships, promoting knowledge sharing, and supporting capacity-building initiatives.
In their presentations, member countries highlighted efforts related to poverty alleviation, inequality reduction, removal of regional trade barriers, post-pandemic recovery issues, human capital development, connectivity, and climate vulnerabilities. They also outlined key recommendations and the way forward.
The consultative workshop will continue until tomorrow and is expected to adopt a report outlining recommendations and a timeline for the preparation of the SAARC Development Report 2025, which will serve as a guiding document to achieve SDG targets in SAARC countries. The workshop is being chaired by Bidhan Baral, Joint Chief (Joint Secretary), GED.