Center for Economic Development and Administration (CEDA), TU hosted an international symposium jointly organized by CEDA and Centre for Regional Development, Chonnam National University, South Korea in Kathmandu on 13th February, 2016. About a dozen of experts from South Korea, India, and Nepal were invited to discuss on the connection of “Social Economy, Regional Development and Poverty Reduction”. Several other honored guests from domestic and international organizations attended the event with full enthusiastic responses. Their participation enriched the event greatly.

Chief Guest of the event, vice Chair of National Planning Commission Dr. Yuba Raj Khatiwada said that South Asia region was continuously struggling to see poverty alleviation, insisting on adopting a new strategy based on mutual cooperation to fight against poverty. Nepal has adopted a strategy of inclusive social and economic development through the implementation of the concept of three-pillar economy. He further added that Cooperative could prove an effective means for taking the inclusive development to the grassroots level.

TU Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Tirtha Khaniya said TU, one of the largest universities in terms of enrollment in the world, has been unable to provide quality education due to budgetary constraint.
Prof. Dr. Jumong Na, Director of Center for Regional Development Chonnam National University, spoke of the need of mutual interaction and cooperation in efforts aimed at reducing poverty and developing a strategy for regional development.

Speaking at the inaugural address, Prof Dr. Ram Chandra Dhakal, Executive Director of CEDA stressed the need of cooperation for social economy, regional development and poverty reduction in SAARC region.

Prof. Dr. Santosh Chandra Panda, Dean of Faculty of Economics, South Asian University, and former director of Delhi School of Economics, India stressed the need of collaboration on the issues concerning regional development and social economy.
TU Rector and programme Chair Prof. Dr. Sudha Tripathi was of the view of formulating a strategy for poverty minimization following a minute study of caste, calls and gender issues.