The MoU signing ceremony between International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) and SAARC Agriculture Centre (SAC) was held on 23rd September in New York, USA. H.E. Mr. Md. Golam Sarwar, Secretary General of SAARC, SAARC Secretariat, Kathmandu, Nepal was graced the ceremony as a guest of honour. Dr. Johan Swinnen, Director General, IFPRI, Washington attended the occasion as a special guest.
The ceremony was also attended by the delegates of Director SAC, Dr. Md. Harunur Rashid, Dhaka, Director IFPRI South Asia office, Dr. Shahidur Rashid, New Delhi, Senior Director IFPRI, Dr. Purnima Menon, Washington and Director of Business Development and External Relations IFPRI, Dr. Teunis Van Rheenen, Washington. This collaboration aimed at enhancing cooperation in key areas such as agricultural research, extension services, nutrition, and policy development. H.E. the Secretary General of SAARC expressed that the proposed MoU between the SAC and IFPRI will be highly beneficial in strengthening collaborative efforts. Such a partnership would play a vital role in advancing technology development and effective dissemination in agriculture and allied disciplines across the region.
The Director General IFPRI stated that the cooperation in the areas of knowledge generation and management, agricultural trade, policy innovation, and capacity building will be enhanced. Finally, the ceremony is concluded with a set commitments aimed at building a food-secure, resilient, and prosperous South Asia
