SAARC Agriculture Centre (SAC), in collaboration with the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN) Bangladesh and the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), South Asia, organized a regional “Coordination Meeting with Development Partners and Investors” in Dhaka on Tuesday (29 April 2026), bringing together policymakers, researchers’ investors and development partners to strengthen cooperation in agriculture.

Nazrul Islam Khan, Political Adviser to the Prime Minister and Adviser to the Ministry of Agriculture, Bangladesh attended as Chief Guest and underscored the central role of agriculture in the region’s economy. He emphasized the need for modernization, including the use of advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence and highlighted climate change as a pressing challenge requiring increased investment. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to farmers and called for sustained regional cooperation for the greater welfare of the region.

Ambassador A.K.M. Shahidul Karim, Additional Foreign Secretary (SAARC & BIMSTEC), Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Bangladesh joined as Special Guest and stressed the importance of deeper collaboration, practical and technology-driven approaches and the sharing of technical expertise. He noted that agriculture remains the backbone of South Asia and called for a transition from food deficit concerns to a more sustainable agricultural future, moving from challenges to solutions and from solutions to concrete actions.

Tanvir Ahmad Torophder, Director (ARD & SDF), SAARC Secretariat, Nepal highlighted the progress made by SAARC nations in agriculture and stressed the need for stronger public and private partnerships to achieve actionable outcomes, with a clear focus on delivering practical and measurable results across the region.

Dr. Shahidur Rashid, Director, IFPRI, South Asia, India, described agriculture as a sector facing multiple challenges collaboration with SAC is cost effective and work with several nations for common issues in the region and reaffirmed IFPRI’s continued support for SAC and the people of South Asia.

Dr. Rudaba Khondker, Country Director, GAIN Bangladesh, emphasized the need for collective action to take South Asia’s food systems to the next level. She highlighted the importance of collaboration among partners to drive meaningful change. She also stressed ensuring affordable and sustainable food systems for all. She also emphasized the mainstreaming of nutrition in food systems and innovative financing for food systems.

In his welcome speech Dr. Md. Younus Ali, Senior Program Specialist (Livestock), emphasized the importance of regional collaboration to strengthen agriculture, livestock and food systems across SAARC Member States. He also highlighted the significance of the program in fostering partnerships and advancing shared agricultural priorities in the region.

In his remarks as Chair, Dr. Harunur Rashid, Director, SAARC Agriculture Centre highlighted SAC’s strategic priorities and highlighted the need for stronger regional collaboration to address shared agricultural challenges. He emphasized innovation, climate resilience and investment partnerships to accelerate sustainable agricultural development across SAARC Member States.

After the inaugural program there were two working sessions, participated by investors, development partners, collaborators, scholars and researches from various SAARC Member States.