Message from Dr. Sunil Motiwal, CEO, SDF:

Welcome to the first edition of SAARC Development Fund Secretariat’s e-Newsletter. SDF seeks to improve the quality of life of people by accelerating economic growth, social progress, poverty alleviation and regional integration in the SAARC region. This e-Newsletter which will be widely circulated within the institution and across the region is one of the activities of the SDF outreach program. You will be informed on a monthly basis about various aspects of SDF and new initiatives through this e-newsletter..

The overall aim of this e-newsletter is to provide a platform for exchange of information, knowledge, experiences and best practices that will lead to widespread dissemination of all Social, Economic and Infrastructure projects in SAARC region. Therefore, I welcome all stakeholders to contribute their opinions, research, news stories, articles and project summaries that will help towards the goal of this outreach program.

MoU to promote Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises with SIDBI

The SDF team comprising CEO, Dr. Sunil Motiwal and Ms. Sania Akhtar, Manager of Communication & Knowledge Management attended the meeting. SDF and Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) in Mumbai to collaborate for the growth and strengthening of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME) sector in SAARC member states. “SDF is committed towards promotion of regional integration in the SAARC region through its projects and programme.” Chief Executive Officer of SDF, Dr. Sunil Motiwal said.

Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank and SAARC Development Fund to co-finance Projects in the SAARC Region

The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) will be co-financing projects and programmes in the SAARC region with the SDF. The project will focus on the areas of rural energy, transport and ICT connectivity, in terms of up-gradation of infrastructure and enhancing regional connectivity in SAARC member states. This was discussed during a meeting between the CEO. SDF and Mr. Jin Liqun, President, AIIB.

CEO, SDF participates in 52nd Session of the SAARC Meeting in Pokhara

Fifty-Second Session of the Programming Committee preceded the Meetings of the Standing Committee and the Council of Foreign Ministers of SAARC in which Dr. Sunil Motiwal; CEO of SDF attended the Programming Committee. The objectives of meeting was to consider and make recommendations on matters related to Regional Centres and Specialized Bodies of SAARC such as the South Asian University, the SAARC Development Fund, SAARC Arbitration Council and the South Asian Standardization Organisation. The Committee also deliberate on matters related to important areas of cooperation such as agriculture, rural development, terrorism, narcotic drugs, information and media.

Joint Meeting of SDF with Counterpart Agencies from Ministries of Finance of SAARC Member States

SDF conducted a meeting of officials from Finance ministry of eight SAARC member states that included Counterpart Agencies, Lead Implementing Agency (LIA) and Implementing Agency (IA) of SDF funded project “SABAH”. The objectives of the meeting were fulfillment of objectives of the project, and Impact of the project. SDF CEO Dr. Sunil Motiwal stated that this meeting would not only help the livelihood and earning aspect of Home Based workers but also help in addressing the challenges and issues, help in achieving the objectives of the project and achieving the sustainability of each project.

Asian Development Bank (ADB) & SAARC Development Fund have signed an MoU to collaborate for the Development of the SAARC Region

ADB and SDF have signed an MoU and agreed to collaborate for the development of the SAARC region through co-financing of projects and programs focusing on regional connectivity /integration and economic cooperation among the SAARC Member States.

Areas such as Transport, Road Connectivity, ICT, Industrial Development, Trade & Investment and Energy will be the focus areas of co-funding of projects in the SAARC Member States. ADB has already submitted a road connectivity Project Proposal titled “ South Asia Sub Regional Economic Cooperation (SASEC) Road Improvements Project, Nepal to SDF for co-funding.

UNDP, SAARC Development Fund announce new partnership on Sustainable Development Agenda

Dr. Sunil Motiwal, Chief Executive Officer of the SDF represented the Fund in announcement of partnership between SAARC Development Fund and UNDP. CEO said that partnership will play a significant role in regional integration and cooperation among SAARC member states, which can mobilize funding for larger social, economic and infrastructure projects to benefit the people of the SAARC region.

Mr. Haoliang Xu, Assistant Secretary General and Regional Director of UNDP’s Regional Bureau for Asia and Pacific, signed on behalf of the programme with Dr. Sunil Motiwal, CEO of the SDF.

SDF participated in "Celebrating Homebased Workers", to mark the 20th anniversary of ILO Convention 177 on Home Work, in the city of Ahmedabad

CEO, SDF was Invited by SABAH to attend the event Celebrating Homebased Workers organized by SABAH/HNSA as one of the key speakers. The event saw participation from over 150 individuals from across Asia to celebrate the lives and work of the invisible homebased workers. It was first of its kind event hosted in Ahmedabad to increase visibility and raise awareness regarding these silent contributors to their communities and countries.

CEO, SDF with delegation of SCCI and BCCI

President of SAARC Chamber of Commerce and Industry visits SDF Secretariat

Mr. Suraj Vaidya, President of SAARC Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Mr. Rajeev Chadha, Executive Committee Member visited SAARC Development Fund Secretariat to discuss the possibility of collaboration and co-financing of projects in the SAARC region. The delegation also included the president and Vice President of Bhutan Chamber of Commerce and other important officials of BCCI.

Inauguration of the Malalai Maternity Hospital SNCU ward by SDF Funded project MCH-Afghanistan Component

SDF funded project Strengthening Maternal and Child Health Including Immunization (MCH) inaugurated the Malalai Maternity Hospital SNCU ward in Afghanistan. The Malalai Maternity Hospital SNCU ward in Afghanistan was inaugurated by his Excellency Dr. Ferozudin Feroz (The minister of Public Health, Afghanistan), he gave a speech and thanked the SDF for kind positive steps in Afghanistan. Delegation from UNICEF, WHO, MOPH, IA and central hospitals representatives also participated in the inauguration.