H.E. Mr. Md. Golam Sarwar, the Secretary General of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), paid an introductory visit to India from May 11-15, 2024. Notably, this marked the Secretary General's first introductory visit to any Member State of SAARC. The visit facilitated detailed discussions concerning various aspects of regional cooperation within SAARC. During the visit, the Secretary General had meetings with the Secretary (East) H.E. Mr. Jaideep Mazumdar, the Foreign Secretary H.E. Mr. Vinay Mohan Kwatra and the Minister of State for External Affairs, H.E. Dr. Rajkumar Ranjan Singh. The Government of India ensured its full support to promoting regional cooperation to foster the growth and prosperity of the South Asian population through SAARC. 

H.E. the Secretary General Ambassador Md. Golam Sarwar attended on 22 May 2024 a welcome dinner hosted in his honour by the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) in Islamabad. Addressing the programme, H.E. the Secretary General stated that effective economic integration in South Asia can be led by the private sector as it is the engine of growth. He urged the business communities and chambers in all SAARC countries to enhance business linkages and partnership.

Honourable Mr. Rana Tanveer Hussain, Federal Minister for Industries and Production of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan graced the event with his presence, which was attended by leaders of business fraternity of Pakistan.

H.E. Secretary General Ambassador Md. Golam Sarwar visited on 22 May 2024 SAARC Arbitration Council (SARCO) in Islamabad and received briefing from Barrister Mr. Saquib Mangrio, Officer-In-Charge of SARCO on its activities, accomplishments, challenges and constraints as well as future plans.

Established as a SAARC specialized body, SARCO is to provide legal framework within the region for fair and efficient settlement, through conciliation and arbitration, of commercial, investment and other disputes. SARCO's function also includes promotion and support of national arbitration institution. 

Following the briefing, H.E. the Secretary General expressed that as SAARC moves ahead in the process of regional integration, the role of SARCO will become vital in facilitating investment and commercial activities.

H.E. the Secretary General Ambassador Md. Golam Sarwar visited on 21 May 2024 SAARC Energy Centre (SEC) in Islamabad and received briefing from SEC Director Dr. Nawaz Ahmad on its various activities and future plans.

SEC was established in 2006 as a regional platform to promote cooperation in energy sector including development of hydropower, renewable and alternative energy, technology transfer, energy trade, conservation and efficiency. The Centre's activities include research and studies, knowledge sharing, training and capacity building as well as undertaking pilot projects in its areas of cooperation.

After the briefing, the Secretary General, underlining the importance of energy sector as foundation of development in other areas, appreciated the work done by SEC. He assured of SAARC Secretariat's full support in enabling SEC to carry out its good works.