Delegates from all the SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) countries – Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka participated in the conference.

The objective of the Round Table, “Reaching out SMEs of SAARC Countries”,  was to find ways how to provide better collaboration and cooperation between SMEs (Small and Medium Enterprises) in the region – a solution that could be a way out from the present problems due to global difficulties.

Dinesh Rai, Secretary, Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSME), had inaugurated the conclave on Wednesday 23th September 2009.

He said, “It is very unfortunate that SAARC nations contribute only 6 percent of global output. SAARC nations are very rich in resources and I think SMEs of the SAARC countries need to take the advantage of it.”

“There are various sectors including pharma, textiles, handicrafts, engineering, IT, tourism and many more where these SMEs can explore opportunities. And I think this platform can help them to remove the barriers and also in product diversification,” he added.

Rai also stressed upon exploiting trade complementarities through joint ventures. He said, “Joint venture facilitates are vertical growth of any organization.”

Meanwhile in his keynote address, Subir Gokarn, Chief Economist, Standard & Poor Asia Pacific, said, “SMEs are the fundamental components or the building blocks of any economy.”

He said, “Production is not only the dimension of a business, but making profit out of production is the key. And these types of events provide you (SMEs) to come together to explore cross border cooperation between SMEs.”

The Participants from Afghanistan were Mr.  Sayid Mujtaba Zahir, Public  Policy & Advocacy Advisor of ACCI, Mr.Qadir Bahman, Director of Membership Department of ACCI and Fraidoon Watanyar General Manager of Kabul CCI.

Mr. Sayid Mujtaba Zahir  advisor of ACCI addressed the current challenges & opportunities of SMEs in Afghanistan in three different speeches (You can find the speeches and presentations below) and presented presentations about the ‘Small and Medium Enterprises in Afghanistan’, ‘Opportunities in Afghanistan and Cross Border Challenges’ and ‘Afghanistan Today’.

The rich contribution of Afghan delegates was appreciated by PHD Chamber’s Director and all other participants from SAARC countries for presenting the real picture of Afghanistan.

SAARC is the world’s only region which has failed to tap the potential for intra-region economic cooperation.  Intra-SAARC trade has a lot of potential but due to different policy framework in different SAARC countries, trade is affected and SMEs are the main sufferers.