, Oct. 15 -- Member (Secretary) of the General Economics Division Dr. Monzur Hossain on Wednesday said by reducing non-tariff barriers, improving logistics, and expanding cross-border transport and digital connectivity, SAARC can unlock immense potential for trade and investment.

"South Asia remains one of the least integrated regions in the world, with intra-regional trade below six percent of total trade," he said, while inaugurating a two-day long Consultative Workshop on the preparation of the first SAARC Development Report (SDR) at a city hotel.

The General Economics Division (GED) of the Planning Commission hosted the workshop where delegates from Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka attended.

The Ministry...