The South Asia Subregional Economic Cooperation (SASEC) Program held a regional meeting on 31 August-1 September 2026 in Colombo, Sri Lanka, to advance cooperation on food systems development and identify priority initiatives for the coming years. 

The meeting brought together government officials from SASEC member countries, representing ministries, departments, and agencies responsible for agriculture and horticulture, animal husbandry, fisheries, food safety, and food trade. Participants also included Asian Development Bank (ADB) staff and consultants from headquarters, as well as presenters and speakers from research institutes, universities, and think tanks. 
 
Objectives 

Key agenda items included

• Key outcomes of the 2025 Knowledge Workshop;
• SASEC Food Systems Development Framework 2035 and its accompanying results matrix and their endorsements;  
• The Operational Areas of Food Systems Development Framework 2035, enabling participants to exchange country experiences, share technical knowledge, and identify practical priorities and next steps for regional collaboration;
• The Action Plan for SASEC Initiatives (APSI) 2026-2028, including a proposed list of knowledge works and projects; and 
• Measures to strengthen coordination and implementation arrangements for SASEC food systems initiatives.