The 10th South Asia Economic Summit has concluded affirming that trade and economic relations needs to be enhanced in South Asian countries. The 10th South Asia Economic Summit was held from November 14 to 16 in Kathmandu, Nepal. The South Asia Economic Summit launched in 2008 is a platform to discuss and analyse development challenges facing South Asia.
During the summit, discussions were carried on ways to enhance trade relations within South Asian countries and on ways to provide regional assistance in reducing disaster risks. Over 200 delegates, including ministers, parliamentarians, government officials, diplomats and planners from South Asian countries attended the summit.
The delegation of Maldives include Minister of State for Economic Development Abdul Latheef Mohamed, Commissioner General of Customs Ibrahim Shareef Mohamed, Maldives Director of Social Affairs at SAARC secretariat Rishfa Rasheef, Senior Editor of Public Service Media (PSM) Hassan Ziyau, Programme Specialist at Ministry of Economic Development Ahmed Imthinan Farooq and Independent expert Aisha Niyaz. Maldivian delegation proposed suggestions on ways to enhance regional relations.
Maldives also emphasized on the importance of customs services in expanding and strengthening regional business. Addressing the summit, Commissioner General of Customs Ibrahim Shareef Mohamed urged to share information within countries.
The three-day summit was organised by National Planning Commission and Ministry of Commerce of Nepal and South Asia Watch on Trade, Economics and Environment, with an aim to deepen economic integration and attain inclusive and sustainable growth in the sub-region. The 11th south asia summit is to be held in Pakistan next year.