SAARC Member States Deliberate on SDGs and Poverty Alleviation Plan of Action

A Consultative Workshop was held in Kathmandu on 21-22 October 2024 on Contextualizing Sustainable Development Goals in the SAARC Region and Revisiting the 2004 SAARC Plan of Action on Poverty Alleviation in light of the 2030 Development Agenda. The Workshop was hosted by the Government of Nepal; and financial and technical assistance was provided by the Asian Development Bank.

The Workshop was attended by delegations from SAARC Member States comprising senior officials of the Ministries/ Agencies responsible for SDGs and Poverty Alleviation as well as Foreign Ministries.

Speaking at the opening session of the Workshop as Chief Guest, Honorable Vice Chairman of the National Planning Commission of Nepal Prof. Dr. Shiva Raj Adhikari stated that given the size of the SAARC Region’s population and its development challenges, success of SDGs globally depends largely on the progress in the countries of the Region. Sharing about Nepal’s experience with the SDGs, the Vice Chairman highlighted that although certain areas have witnessed remarkable progress, there remains a concerning proportion of targets that are either progressing too slowly or even regressing. He emphasized on the need of mobilization of larger financing sources in productive areas, and improving efficiency of investment.

Addressing the opening session of the Consultative Workshop, Mr. Dongxiang Li, Lead Regional Cooperation Specialist, Regional Cooperation and Integration Unit, South Asia Department of Asian Development Bank stated that as SAARC’s long-term development partner, ADB would like to continue the partnership to further promote regional cooperation and integration in the SAARC region.

Delegations of SAARC Member States made their respective country presentations covering the status of implementation of SDGs, identification of common priority SDGs for the Region, contextualization of global indicators with respect to the local circumstances, monitoring the attainment of the 2030 Agenda in the SAARC region, and building partnerships to achieve the 2030 Agenda as well as review of the 2004 SAARC Plan of Action on Poverty Alleviation. In their country presentations, Member States highlighted the need of Accelerating implementation of SDGs; Ensuring greater availability of data in standardized format to monitor progress; Creating economic opportunities for people; Boosting investment in research and development, and innovation and technology; Addressing financing issues and seeking external funding; Investing in human capital development particularly in health and education; Enhancing intra-regional trade, investment and technology transfer; and Promoting cooperation in food security, among other measures.

ADB Consultant on SDGs and SAARC Plan of Action on Poverty Alleviation Dr. Posh Raj Pandey presented the Background Study, which provided a basis for deliberations.

Director (Information and Poverty Alleviation) at SAARC Secretariat Mr. Hari Odari opened the Workshop as Representative of the SAARC Secretary General.

Member Secretary of the National Planning Commission of Nepal Mr. Madhu Kumar Marisini addressed the closing session of the Workshop, which concluded by adopting a Report.

The Programme was chaired by Joint Secretary at the National Planning Commission of Nepal Mr Khomraj Koirala.   

SAARC Secretariat,

Kathmandu

22 October 2024  

SAARC Secretary General Ambassador Md. Golam Sarwar meets in Manila today ADB Vice President Mr. Yingming Yang to hold talks on ongoing and future collaboration between the two organizations.

A courtesy meeting was held today between H.E. the Secretary General of SAARC Ambassador Md. Golam Sarwar and Ambassador of Australia to Nepal H.E. Ms. Leann Johnston at the SAARC Secretariat. During the meeting, the two dignitaries exchange views on a range of topics including Australia's engagements with countries in this region, priority areas of Australia's cooperation, as well as structure and functioning of SAARC. Both sides emphasized the need to explore areas where Australia, as an Observer in SAARC, can extend cooperation for regional/sub-regional initiatives.      

The Tenth Meeting of the SAARC Sub-Group on Customs Cooperation was held in Kathmandu on 01-02 October 2024 to consider the final Draft Final Study on Harmonization of 8-digit HS Tariff Lines of the SAARC Member States.

The Meeting was attended by delegations from the SAARC Member States. Representatives of the Customs authorities of the SAARC Member States gathered to discuss the Draft Final Study Report on Harmonization of 8-digit HS Tariff Lines of the Member States. The Study has been conducted by ADB to propose modalities for bringing uniformity in tariff lines and address the challenges of their susceptibility to distortion. The Tenth Meeting of the SAARC Sub-Group on Customs Cooperation was held with the financial and technical assistance of ADB.

The Tenth Meeting of SAARC Sub-Group on Customs Cooperation examined the Draft SAARC Common Nomenclature for the consideration by the SAARC Member States. The meeting provided an opportunity to discuss the steps on moving forward the implementation of the Study, including a recommended timeline for the completion of the harmonization process.

Harmonization of 8-digit tariff lines in the SAARC Member States will bring numerous benefits to trade and economic integration. By standardizing tariff classifications across Member States, it will simplify customs procedures, reducing complexity and delays in cross-border trade. The consequent uniformity will enhance transparency, making it easier for businesses to navigate regulations and access foreign markets, thereby boosting trade flows. Harmonisation of tariff lines also supports regional economic cooperation by aligning policies, facilitating smoother trade agreements, and fostering greater economic integration and collaboration among member countries.

The Meeting also agreed that it is important to harmonise the requirements of Mandatory and Additional Documents in the Member States for speedy clearance of consignments to facilitate intra-SAARC trade under and outside SAFTA. In addition, the Meeting also resumed discussion on inter-operability of Systems being followed by Customs Administrations in Member States.

SAARC Secretariat

Kathmandu, Nepal

03 October 2024