FM calls for demand-driven regional projects

Foreign Minister Dipu Moni yesterday stressed the need for demand-driven and timebound regional and sub-regional projects for implementation.
She also called for rationalisation of SAFTA sensitive lists and dismantling of non-tariff and para-tariff trade barriers and a balanced focus on mitigation as well as adaptation as the region meets the challenges of climate change.
Dipu said this while participating in the discussions at the 32nd session of the Saarc Council of Ministers in Thimphu, Bhutan, said a press release.
She underscored the need for harmonisation of educational curricula and mutual recognition of degrees among the Saarc countries.
The Bangladesh delegation attached high priority to food security, poverty alleviation, environment and climate change, and education while maintaining focus on trade, energy and connectivity.
In the context of inclusive and democratic governments representing truly the peoples, she said Bangladesh floated the idea of a Saarc Charter of Democracy to underline the relevance of a regional support for democracy and democratic practices.
The country also floated the idea of a Regional Seed Bank.
The Declaration of the Sixteenth Saarc Summit has been finalised and draft statement was adopted. A draft of a statement on climate change would be issued as 'Thimphu Statement on Climate Change'.
The summit statement articulates a collective determination to face the impacts of climate change and suggests numerous initiatives in the areas of environment and climate change.
The council approved all arrangements for full operationalisation of Saarc Development Fund (SDF) and endorsed the decision to declare the next decade as the Saarc Decade for Connectivity.
It also approved signing of the Saarc Agreement on Trade in Services and Saarc Convention on Cooperation on Environment at the summit.
Earlier on Monday, the standing committee recommended the creation of a South Asia Forum for debate and exchange of ideas on South Asia and its future development.
It approved the rules and business plan for South Asian University and endorsed its plan to commence its academic session in August this year.
The committee also approved some projects, including trans-boundary animal diseases, food security, customs automation and energy connectivity.