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The Nepal Ministry of Finance hosted the National Consultation Workshop for the draft SASEC Vision document in Kathmandu, Nepal, on 7 November 2016, with assistance from the SASEC Secretariat.

The Workshop:

• Discussed key elements of the draft SASEC Vision document, including roadmaps of SASEC countries;
• Discussed the draft SASEC Vision with stakeholders from the Government of Nepal and representatives of the private sector; and
• Obtained inputs to be considered in the revision and finalization of the Vision document.

Mr. Baikuntha Aryal, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Finance, Nepal, chaired the Workshop, which was attended by over 60 participants, including senior officials from various government agencies: Finance, Customs, Physical Infrastructure and Transport, Industry, Energy, Urban Development, Agriculture, Water and Energy Commission, Planning Commission, Information Technology, Finance, Revenue Management Division, Civil Aviation Authority, Foreign Affairs, Irrigation, Labor and Employment, and representatives from Nepal's private sector.

Mr. Kenichi Yokoyama, Nepal Country Director, Asian Development Bank, delivered the opening remarks.

The SASEC Operational Plan 2016-2025—the first-ever long-term plan that will guide SASEC’s operational priorities—was also unveiled during the Workshop, led by Secretary Aryal and Mr. Yokoyama.

The SASEC Vision is the program’s long-term strategy, laying out a road map to achieve the fundamental SASEC goal of increasing trade and economic cooperation within South Asia, creating linkages to Southeast Asia, and promoting sustained and inclusive economic growth through regional cooperation. The Secretariat is holding a series of national workshops in all SASEC countries, to ensure a full consultative process in preparing the SASEC Vision.

The SASEC Vision Document National Workshop in all six countries is funded through ADB technical assistance projects.