Kathmandu – A high-level delegation of the SAARC Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SAARC CCI), led by its President Mr. Chandi Raj Dhakal, visited 10 Downing Street, London, and held a high-level meeting with Rt. Hon. Pat McFadden, Secretary of State for Work and Pensions and a key member of the Prime Minister’s team.

The visit marks a historic milestone for SAARC CCI, representing the first-ever delegation of the SAARC Chamber, led by its President, to visit the Prime Minister’s Office at 10 Downing Street since the Chamber’s establishment in 1992. The landmark engagement underscores the growing international outreach of SAARC CCI and its efforts to strengthen institutional and economic linkages between South Asia, the
United Kingdom and the wider Commonwealth.

During the meeting, the SAARC CCI delegation presented a strategic SAARC–Commonwealth Policy Report, jointly developed with the Commonwealth Businesswomen’s Network (CBWN). The report sets out a forward-looking framework centred on Connectivity, Commerce and Creativity (3Cs), with recommendations aimed at strengthening trade and investment linkages, enhancing regional connectivity,
promoting youth and women’s economic participation, mobilising diaspora investment, and unlocking greater economic cooperation between South Asia, the United Kingdom and the wider Commonwealth. The policy report proposes a range of initiatives to enhance South Asia’s integration into global and Commonwealth markets. Among its key recommendations is the establishment of a SAARC Digital Single
Window to facilitate trade and services, alongside a regional value-chain mapping initiative designed to identify opportunities for greater intraregional trade and regional production networks.

The report also highlights the region’s significant youth population and the need to create greater access to employment, entrepreneurship and digital opportunities. It proposes a SAARC–UK Partnership Framework, including a SAARC–UK Digital Skills Corps, a Remote Work Exchange Platform and a SAARC–UK Civic Innovation Fellowship to support skills development, employment opportunities and
youth-led innovation.

Another key focus of the report is the potential of the South Asian and Commonwealth diaspora to contribute to productive investment and economic development. The report explores mechanisms for encouraging Diaspora Direct Investment, including digital platforms, innovative financial instruments and stronger institutional links between diaspora communities, businesses and markets in their countries and regions of origin.

President Chandi Raj Dhakal emphasised the importance of strengthening economic partnerships that can create practical opportunities for businesses, entrepreneurs, women and young people across the region. The delegation comprised Mr. Chandi Raj Dhakal, President, SAARC CCI; Dr. Rohitha Silva, Senior Vice President, SAARC CCI and President, FCCISL, Dr. Mariyam Shakeela, Vice President, SAARC CCI (Maldives); Mr. Zulfiqar Ali Butt, Secretary General, SAARC CCI; and Mr. Arif Zaman, Advisor to SAARC CCI in the EU and Executive Director of the Commonwealth Women Business Network.

The Downing Street engagement represents an important step in strengthening dialogue between South Asia’s private sector, the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth, with a shared focus on connectivity, commerce, investment, innovation and inclusive economic growth.

About SAARC CCI:
The SAARC Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SAARC CCI) is the apex regional body representing the private sector of South Asia, working to promote intra-regional trade, investment, and economic cooperation among SAARC member states. The Chamber brings together national chambers and businesses from across the region to advance shared economic and humanitarian interests. (L-R): Mr. Arif Zaman, Advisor to SAARC CCI in the EU and Executive Director of the Commonwealth Women Business Network, Dr. Rohitha Silva, Senior Vice President SAARC CCI & President FCCISL, Rt. Hon’ble Pat McFadden, Secretary of State for Work and Pensions and a key member of the Prime Minister’s team, Dr. Mariyam Shakeela, Vice President SAARC CCI (Maldives), Mr. Chandi Raj Dhakal, President, SAARC CCI and Mr. Zulfiqar Ali Butt, Secretary General, SAARC CCI at Downing Street, London