New Delhi, Sep 14 (KNN) SAARC Development Fund (SDF) and South Asian University have signed a memorandum to work out collaborative arrangements for areas including trade facilitation, regional integration, economic cooperation, public private partnerships etc., through ways such as holding of workshops, seminars, conferences, planning and implementing joint programs wherever required and capacity development.

The MoU was singed between Dr. Sunil Motiwal, CEO, SDF and Dr. Kavita A. Sharma, President, SAU in order to discuss areas of collaboration.

They have also decided to work for the areas of Technical assistance, carrying out relevant research, studies, and publications.

South Asian University (SAU) is an international university established by the eight member nations of South Asian Association for Regional Co-operation (SAARC) viz. Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

SDF was established by the eight SAARC Member States in April 2010 to promote welfare of the people of SAARC region, improve their quality of life, and to accelerate economic growth, social progress and poverty alleviation in the region. 

The Fund is to serve as the umbrella financial institution for SAARC projects and programs which are in fulfillment of the objectives of the SAARC Charter. SDF has three funding windows viz. Social, Economic and Infrastructure. (KNN Bureau)