By contrast,
SAARC was conceived by Bangladesh President, Gen.
Iftikhar Malik said the agenda of theses meeting were focused on enhancing trade among all the
SAARC countries: Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Nepal, Maldives, and Afghanistan.
'The
SAARC CCI has taken initiatives to reinforce a common South Asian identity given the region's close historical, cultural and geographical ties and the mutual aspiration and desire of all member states to promote the social and economic welfare of people.
For forced marriage victims residing within
SAARC Region, the same hotline will be used to provide immediate support.
A
SAARC summit has not been held after India, followed by Bangladesh, Afghanistan and Bhutan, pulled out of the 19th summit in November 2016.
Speaking on the occasion, Ms Janjua renewed Pakistan's desire to host the 19th
Saarc summit.
The speakers highlighted the importance of
SAARC in fulfilling the collective goal of socio-economic progress as envisaged by the leaders of
SAARC 34 years ago.
Ambassadors and representatives of the missions of member and observer states of
SAARC,hHeads and representatives of
SAARC Arbitration Council,
SAARC Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and
SAARC Energy Center, officers of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan and representatives of print and electronic media attended the ceremony.
The
SAARC Chamber of Commerce and Industry is an apex business organization of
SAARC dedicated to promote regional economic integration through creating strong business linkages among the entrepreneurs of the of South Asia.
In his formal statement at the meeting, the foreign minister said, 'Pakistan remains ready to hold the
SAARC summit, at any date agreed to by the
SAARC member states.
He stressed the need for an increased level of connectivity among the
SAARC member states for a prosperous region.
