A video conference of senior trade officials of all SAARC countries was held yesterday to discuss the impact of travel restrictions and the larger Covid-19 situation on intra-regional trade. This was a follow up action of the announcement made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Video Conference of SAARC Leaders on 15th of March.<br />'' <br />'' External Affairs Ministry said in a release that all SAARC countries, except Pakistan, participated in the video conference. All countries contributed actively to the discussions on a wide-ranging trade related agenda. It was recognized that the Covid-19 pandemic is likely to have a considerable adverse impact on trade in the SAARC region. It was stressed that new ways and means be jointly identified to sustain and expand the intra-regional trade until the normal trade channels are fully restored. The need to maintain essential trade within the SAARC region was viewed as an important thrust area.<br />'' <br />'' All participating countries proposed to remain in close and regular touch through a designated focal point in each country. The Indian side offered to coordinate this exercise.<br />''  <br />