The sixth edition of the South Asian training programme on CGE (Computable General Equilibrium) modelling was conducted from 22-26 October 2013 in Kathmandu, Nepal. South Asia Watch on Trade, Economics and Environment (SAWTEE) organized the training in collaboration with the South Asian Network on Economic Modeling (SANEM), Dhaka and the Centre for WTO Studies (CWS), New Delhi.
The five days training programme provided a basic knowledge of the theory and applications of CGE modelling. Participants were also made familiar with the use of CGE modelling techniques in research pertaining to the issues relating to international trade, climate change and food security using the General Algebraic Modeling System (GAMS) software.
The training programme brought together young researchers, policy makers and government officials from the five different countries of South Asia, namely Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. A total of 32 participants benefitted from the training programme. Dr Selim Raihan, Professor of Economics at the Dhaka University, conducted the training programme.
Acknowledging the dearth of quantitative research in the South Asian region, SAWTEE and SANEM initiated the CGE modelling training in 2008 with a goal of imparting quantitative tools and techniques to the young researchers in the region. The CWS has supported the training programme since its fifth edition. The training programme has contributed in expanding the number of quantitative research - especially on trade, climate change and food security issues - in the region.
