Looking back to January 2010, when I assumed the office of the President of SAARC Chamber of Commerce & Industry (SAARC CCI) gives me a feeling that how rapidly time has passed. During 2010-2011, the world economy witnessed dramatic changes and robust recovery after global financial crisis. Particularly South Asian countries were able to maintain over 6% growth rate even in time of this global meltdown. The economic performance of South Asian countries particularly of India, Sri Lank, Bangladesh and Maldives remained encouraging.
To serve the SAARC Chamber of Commerce & Industry (SAARC CCI) as a representative of South Asian Business Community is always a matter of great honour and pride for any businessman in South Asia. I also felt honoured and privileged to head this Regional Apex Body on various regional and international forums.
I, appreciate my team of Vice Presidents Mr Abul Kashem Ahmed from Bangladesh, Mr Thinly Palden Dorji from Bhutan, Mr Vikramjit Singh Sahney from India, Mr Pradeep Kumar Shrestha from Nepal, Mr Iftikhar Ali Malik from Pakistan and Mr Kosala Wickramanayake from Sri Lanka for their dedicated efforts to make my tenure a great success. I also appreciate the services of my predecessor for his devoted attachment to the organization particularly by organising sizeable delegation in all the events during my tenure. It was because of the effective support of my colleagues, which helped me in keeping up the momentum and make humble endeavours to further promote the cause of the organization.
Being an avid representative of the private sector, I believe that a vibrant private sector is an indispensable factor for triggering economic dynamism, enhancing productivity, transferring and diffusing new industrial technologies, maintaining competitiveness, and contributing to entrepreneurial development and an ultimate solution to combat poverty. The role of business and industry assumes critical importance in the economic prosperity of countries as it lays the basis for a viable regional bloc in South Asia as well as an integrated world altogether. As the SAARC member countries continue their drive for economic growth, the key factor which will enable them to achieve high rates of growth and sustained high economic performance, will be a strong private sector that shares the development objectives and aspirations of the government in its journey of economic development irrespective of the political differences.
During my two year tenure, I particularly focused on effective involvement of youth and women entrepreneurs in addition to socio-cultural exchanges and Media, which I believe were quite helpful for image building of SAARC CCI. The overwhelming success of the 4th SAARC Business Leaders Conclave held in Nepal and Lead 2012: Youth in Rising South Asia: promises and Dreams" which can be regarded as the most successful events of the history of SAARC CCI. The main objective was to create hype and give exposure to the organization and I am happy that these events fulfilled the objectives.
I once again thank my all office bearers, EC and GA members, Presidents of National Chambers and above all my Secretariat for their dedicated support and welcome the upcoming management of SAARC CCI under the leadership of Mr Vikramjit Singh Sahney. I am quite certain that he would take further appropriate measures to achieve the objectives of the organization.