UK, Commonwealth institutions: SAARC CCI for stronger trade, investment engagement

Chandi Raj Dhakal, president of the SAARC Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SAARC CCI), urged closer ties linking South Asia with Britain and the broader Commonwealth, according to Business Recorder. He argued that policy dialogue should be followed by concrete commercial links that let firms in the region sell, invest and collaborate with partners abroad. The remarks came during a run of meetings in London, where talks at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office formed the core of the visit.

The visiting group spoke with officials from several Commonwealth and UK bodies, including the Commonwealth Secretariat's trade unit at Marlborough House, on digital trade, connectivity and wider private-sector involvement in Commonwealth cooperation. A session at Scotland House brought together the delegation and Dr Liz Cameron CBE, a one-time director and chief executive of the Scottish Chambers of Commerce. Separately, the team met Mark Jenkinson of the South East London Chamber to explore chamber-to-chamber cooperation.

Senior Vice President Rohitha Silva of Sri Lanka backed stronger private-sector connectivity with the Commonwealth, while the vice presidents from the Maldives and Bangladesh stressed inclusive cooperation and business-to-business engagement. Arif Zaman, the chamber's adviser in the EU, facilitated the meetings and said the talks could build lasting institutional ties and open avenues for women entrepreneurs and SMEs. Members from five South Asian countries took part, and the visit forms part of wider efforts to expand partnerships.