Website for trade facilitation in SAARC

A common website has been established to connect the different databases of the network partners and identified data sources in all the SAARC member countries to create an easy entry point for trade information.
Though the website is awaiting formal launching, it is expected to facilitate and promote trade among the SAARC member states. Importers and exporters in the member states are expected to make use of the decision-support Business Information Service (BIS) that will be connected to a network of information providers in SAARC to promote inter- and intra-SAARC trade.
The first Operations Committee (OC) meeting of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation -- Trade Information Project (SAARC-TIP) concluded here today. The two-day OC meeting provided an opportunity for its members to network with each other and to get to know each other's profile and functions of the organisation. In the two-day meeting, the OC members have agreed to support promotion and facilitation of trade in the region.
The meeting was organised by the SAARC Information Centre (SIC) and GTZ in order to make the OC members aware of the SAARC-TIP concept, modalities and its deliverables was participated by all the SAARC member countries including the SAARC Chamber of Commerce. The OC constitutes the SAARC Information Centre (chair), GTZ, SAARC Chamber of Commerce, national chambers of commerce, government trade agencies and trade-related organisations.
The SAARC-TIP intends to establish an easy accessible trade database for traders by connecting trade databases within the SAARC countries to a common SAARC entry point for trade information.
Advisory Committee meeting was held last month to formulate the guidelines and suggestions for the OC that has representatives from the SAARC secretary general, SAARC presidency (currently the representative of the president of Sri Lanka) and GTZ/SAARC-TIP Programme Manager. It is considered a forum for communication and cooperation between the GTZ and SAARC structures and meets twice a year.
GTZ on behalf of the government of Germany has implemented the SAARC - TIP in recognition of the efforts made by SAARC countries for regional economic integration. The project commenced following the exchange of notes between the German government and the SAARC Secretariat.
SIC has been operating since 2006 with the main objective to act as an institution for collection and dissemination of information of the SAARC member nations and its activities.