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The SAARC-ADB First Training Programme of Nodal Points on Updating SAARCSTAT Web Portal was organised by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) in Islamabad on 15-16 February 2016, in follow up to the recommendation of the Seventh Meeting of Heads of SAARC Statistical Organizations (SAARCSTAT) held in Colombo, 23-24 July 2015. The Training focused on updating national data available on the SAARCSTAT Web Portal to enhance usability, and equipped representatives from Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, the Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka with knowledge and capacity to upload and update their information on the website.

Mr. Muhammad Ehtesham, Chief System Analyst, Pakistan Bureau of Statistics, led the technical sessions, which delivered detailed presentations on the SAARCSTAT Web Portal, and demonstrated how to update the country interface on the SAARCSTAT Trade Database. SAARC Member State Nodal Points received hands-on training in uploading data, using credentials provided by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics.

Mr. Tariq Malik, Member (IT) and Head of Web Portal Development Team, Pakistan Bureau of Statistics, conducted the concluding session, which reviewed participants' learning experience. Further recommendations included:

• Monthly updates by Nodal Points to the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics and the SAARC Secretariat on (i) dashboard data uploaded to the web portal, (ii) latest trade data updates, and (iii) latest updates on their data indicator provided through their country interface;
• Virtual Meetings of Nodal Points every 6 months, with coordination provided by the SAARC Secretariat; and
• Web portal security to be ensured.

The Training Programme also welcomed India's offer to host a 3-day SAARC-ADB Second Training Programme of Nodal Points on Updating SAARCSTAT Web Portal, with experts from Pakistan Bureau of Statistics conducting the training along with experts from India, in November/December 2016.

Mr. Asif Bajwa, Chief Statistician and Chief Census Commissioner of the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics, remarked how the Training enhances cooperation among SAARC member states in the field of statistics, and encourages sharing of best practices, knowledge and technical skills among the countries.

Mr. Ahmed Muzhid, Computer Programmer, represented SAARC Secretariat, Kathmandu. Mr. Subash C. Sharma, Consultant for SAARC Projects represented the Asian Development Bank. The Training was conducted with the financial and technical assistance of ADB.