A two-day Consultative Workshop on the preparation of the first SAARC Development Report (SDR) began this morning at the Hotel Intercontinental in Dhaka.
The event has been organized by the General Economics Division (GED) of the Planning Commission, with participation from delegates representing Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the SAARC Secretariat coordinated the overall arrangements, with technical and logistical support from the Asian Development Bank (ADB), according to a release.
This workshop is part of an ongoing initiative by the SAARC Secretariat to finalize the SAARC Development Report 2025, themed “Shaping the Future Together for a Resilient SAARC.”
Monzur Hossain, member of the General Economics Division, inaugurated the workshop as Chief Guest. Prathma Uprety, director, Information and Poverty Alleviation Division, SAARC Secretariat, and Dongxiang Li, lead regional cooperation specialist, ADB, Manila, also spoke at the event.
Dr. Posh Raj Pandey,consultant at ADB, presented the draft of the SDR, while delegates from member countries delivered country presentations on “Resilient SAARC to Shape the Future Together – Country Perspectives.”
In his inaugural address, Monzur commended the SAARC Secretariat for facilitating the consultation and emphasized that “the SAARC Development Report must not remain a formality; rather it should be prepared through thorough analysis, broad consultation, and implemented efficiently to make a real impact on people’s lives.”
He also thanked the Asian Development Bank for its logistical and technical support in organizing the workshop.
Monzur noted that “South Asia remains one of the least integrated regions in the world, with intra-regional trade below six percent of total trade. By reducing non-tariff barriers, improving logistics, and expanding cross-border transport and digital connectivity, SAARC can unlock immense potential for trade and investment.”
Highlighting persistent regional challenges, he stressed that “poverty and inequality continue despite economic growth. Bridging the digital divide and promoting SME development should be collective priorities to ensure inclusive and sustainable growth.”
Prathma Uprety said that the SAARC Secretariat is committed to promoting deeper regional cooperation and resilience across South Asia. “Through the SAARC Development Report 2025, we aim to advance socioeconomic growth, environmental sustainability, and gender equality. Together, we will shape a stronger, more inclusive, and sustainable future for our region,” she added.
ADB Country Director Hoe Yun Jeong emphasized the importance of strengthened regional cooperation in building a resilient and sustainable South Asia. He reaffirmed ADB’s commitment to creating more jobs, promoting clean energy, and protecting public health to ensure long-term stability and inclusive growth.
ADB official Dongxiang Li highlighted the importance of socioeconomic development, environmental sustainability, gender equality, and institutional strengthening to enhance regional resilience.
He reaffirmed ADB’s commitment to deepening partnerships, promoting knowledge sharing, and supporting capacity-building initiatives for a stronger SAARC region.
During their presentations, representatives from member countries highlighted efforts related to poverty alleviation, inequality reduction, regional trade facilitation, post-pandemic recovery, human capital development, connectivity, and climate resilience. They also shared key recommendations and future priorities.
Bangladesh delegates underscored the interim government’s initiatives to restore macroeconomic stability, bring discipline to the banking and financial sector, and rebuild institutions.
The two-day workshop will conclude tomorrow, with participants expected to adopt a report outlining recommendations and a timeline for the preparation of the SAARC Development Report 2025. The final report is expected to serve as a guiding document for achieving SDG targets across SAARC countries.
The workshop is being chaired by Bidhan Baral, joint chief of the GED.