SAARC PARTNERS CONVENE IN DHAKA TO ADVANCE REGIONAL AGRICULTURAL TRANSFORMATION

The SAARC Agriculture Centre (SAC), in collaboration with the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) and GAIN Bangladesh, convened a regional SAC Coordination Meeting with Development Partners and Investors in Dhaka on 29 April 2026, to strengthen regional cooperation on agricultural transformation and food systems resilience across South Asia.

The meeting brought together senior government representatives, development partners, investors, researchers, and regional institutions from across SAARC Member States to discuss pathways for advancing climate-resilient and investment-driven agricultural development. The event was attended by distinguished leaders including H.E. Nazrul Islam Khan, Political Adviser to the Prime Minister and Adviser, Ministry of Agriculture, Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh; Ambassador Mr. A.K.M. Shahidul Karim, Additional Foreign Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, MoFA, Dhaka and Mr. Tanvir Ahmad Torophder, Director (ARD & SDF), SAARC Secretariat.

Speaking during the inaugural session, Dr. Shahidur Rashid, Director, IFPRI South Asia Office highlighted the importance of investing in regional institutions such as SAC to address shared food and agriculture challenges through collective action and stronger regional collaboration.

The inaugural session was followed by two technical working sessions focused on strengthening partnerships, mobilizing investments, and identifying collaborative approaches to support sustainable agricultural transformation in the region. Discussions emphasized the role of innovation, regional coordination, and evidence-based approaches in advancing food security and resilience across South Asia.

The meeting reinforced the growing momentum for deeper regional engagement and collaboration to support resilient and inclusive agrifood systems across SAARC Member States.

Read more about the event here.