The South Asian Regional Standards Organisation (SARSO), a SAARC Specialised Body, became operational in Dhaka with effect from 3rd April 2014. A decision to this effect was taken by the Second Meeting of Governing Board of South Asian Regional Standards Organisation (SARSO) held in Dhaka on 2-3 April 2014 under the Chairmanship of Mr. Phuntsho Wangdi, Director-General, Bhutan Standards Bureau and Member on the Governing Board from Bhutan.   The Governing Board appointed Dr. Syed Humayun Kabir as the first Director General of SARSO for a period of three years; recommended the salary and allowances of Director-General, Professional Staff and General Services Staff of SARSO; and considered the interim Institutional Cost Budget prepared by the Director-General of SARSO for the period April – December 2014.   Dr. Kabir assumed the charge of the office of Director General of SARSO with effect from 3rd April 2014.  Mr. Uwe Miesner, Head of Technical Cooperation in Asia, German National Institute of Metrology (PTB) made a presentation on the status of activities held and proposed to be held under the SAARC-PTB MOU for strengthening quality infrastructure in the region.

The Governing Board also considered and approved the Report of the First Meeting of the SARSO Technical Management Board which was also held in Dhaka on 31 March – 1 April 2014. The Technical Management Board finalised its own Technical Rules and considered the Reports of the nine Sectoral Technical Committees which carried out the task of harmonisation of standards of identified products in the areas such as food and agricultural products; jute, textiles and leather; and building materials.