CALL FOR PAPERS AND PROPOSALS (11 SAESM, THIMPHU-BHUTAN)

CALL FOR PAPERS AND PROPOSALS

SAESM Nepal invites concept note or full paper from undergraduate Nepali students for 11^th South Asian Economics Students’ Meet (SAESM) to be held in Thimphu, Bhutan during December 24-29, 2014. Please find the details of the call below and this year conference theme is “South Asian Integration: Prospects and Challaenges”. The deadline for concept note and full paper is August 31, 2014 and should be sent to saesm.nepal@gmail.com. SAESM Nepal will make final selection of student within next week of deadline and the full (revised paper) should be submitted by End of September.

Had there any query, please send email to saesm.nepal@gmail.com.

Visit www.saesm-nepal.blogspot.com for further details.

About SAESM

South Asian Economics Students Meet (SAESM) is an independently organized, World Bank supported academic event, involving undergraduate economics students from South Asian Countries. SAESM conference provides a unique platform to the young economics brains from South Asia to come together and share their views and opinions on the thematic issues. Each SAESM has a particular theme that is relevant and related to the political economy of South Asia. SAESM conference started in 2004 with New Delhi being the host city. In 2013, 10th SAESM was held in Lahore, Pakistan. Colombo, Dhaka and Kathmandu have been other venues for SAESM. Afghanistan is the newest member of this club, which joined it in 2013. SAESM is organized by a steering committee consisting of the country coordinators.

Theme

Regional Integration and collaboration is undergoing a consolidation in recent times. In all the regions of the contemporary world, including Asia, there is a growing trend of market consolidation through regional collaboration in the form of bilateral and regional trade agreements. Regional cooperation and integration facilitates market expansion and create trade opportunities. Extent of market integration in South Asia lags far behind other regions, even though there is higher potential for integrated trade and investment. Evidence suggests that intra-regional trade among the SAFTA members is not increasing significantly. At Present, intra-regional trade in South Asia accounts for only about five percent of its total global trade, while it is about 65% for EU, 50% for NAFTA and 25% for ASESAN. SAESM 2014 aims to explore the potential of regional integration and identify its prospects and challenges.

Participation

Each member country shall be represented by a team of 10 students and 2 faculty members. Six students should write and present a research paper on a sub theme, such that, all the sub themes are covered. Remaining four participants should participate both in the Budding Economist and quiz competition. However, the Budding Economist Competition is open to other participants too. Two students, from among the research paper presenters, shall also participate in a panel discussion. Alongside the main competitive events, there will be an additional open essay competition sponsored by Prodyot Elaborate, a US based consultancy firm. Participation in this essay competition is voluntary.

Call for Research papers

Sub Theme 1: Linkages between Trade, Development and Poverty Alleviation

Trade affects poverty in multiple ways through its effect on economic growth, employment generation and income distribution. The relationship between trade and growth, and, trade and poverty is predominantly envisaged through an export-led growth strategy. A pro-poor growth policy has a greater impact on reducing poverty, than growth per se. The benefits of economic growth resulting from international trade can positively impact the poor through increased spending in health, education and social welfare, an increase in employment opportunities and the acquisition of new skills and technologies. Trade can also negatively impact poor through increased influence of transnational corporations on domestic economic and political decision making, loss of employment opportunities in formerly protected industries, exploitation of vulnerable and marginalized groups and increased environmental degradation.

Paper presenters can work to identify set of conditions, which, if satisfied, would help in creating a system that would transmit benefits of trade and liberalization to the poor. They can investigate various dimensions of the issue- channels of such linkages, policy orientation, impact assessment, policy and institutional constraints and trinity of trade, labor markets and unemployment with a South Asian perspective. The followings are some of the specific questions that can be explored: - What are the channels through which trade affects poverty in South Asia? What are the channels through which trade affects development? Can trade lead to pro-poor growth? Will a more integrated South Asia reduce inequality?

Sub Theme 2: Cost of Economic Non-Cooperation to the Consumers in South Asia

Intra-regional trade of South Asia has been very low. In last 20 years, share of intra-regional trade in South Asia has remained constant at about 5% of its total global trade. Due to non-cooperation, billions of dollars flow out of the regional every year. It is important to analyze the cost the consumers are bearing due to non-cooperation and pro protectionist policies. South Asian countries fare poorly in terms of trade liberalization and concomitant consumer welfare enhancement efforts. There is hardly any discussion at the political level on the benefits that enhanced intra-regional trade would bring to the consumers of this region. It is this vacuum that primarily needs to be addressed in this conference. Paper presenters can analyze the impact of non-cooperation or proprotectionist policies on prices, real income and poverty; assess the cost in terms of loss of consumer‟s welfare (or, potential impact of integrated South Asia on consumer welfare) and identify top priorities for South Asian regional integration from a consumer‟s perspective.

Sub Theme 3: FDI and Technological Transfers within South Asia

Share of SAARC in global FDI inflows is very minuscule, about 0.6%. Within SAARC, FDI from outside is far more important than the FDI from within the region. Even the share of intra-regional FDI is not significant, although, there are inter country variances. Both the theory and evidence from regional associations suggests that measures that reduce trade costs among member countries tend to depress horizontal FDI and promote vertical FDI. Role of FDI in the transfer and diffusion of technology for sustainable development within the region is far below its potential. While the intra-SAARC trade has been more extensively analyzed, FDI-trade and FDI-technological transfers have received little research attention.

The paper presenters can assess the existing FDI policy frameworks, analyze the factors that affect FDI inflows, review the trends in the intra-regional FDI inflows, identify channels of technological transfers and their effectiveness, assess the impact of FDI on productivity, employment and wages and establish whether intra-regional FDI substitute the trade.

Sub Theme 4: Trade Facilitation and Competitiveness in South Asia

Poor cross border trade infrastructure is one of the major reasons of low level of competiveness for intra-regional trade in South Asia. There are numerous hurdles in trade facilitation, hindering the promotion of intra-regional trade within SAARC. The lack of harmonized transport systems, frequent reloading of goods, port congestion, complicated customs clearance procedures, non-transparent administrative procedures are most binding trade facilitation constraints. A major part of this region is landlocked without easy access to major seaports. The lack of efficient road and rail network further adds to the transaction cost of trade.

Paper presenters can measure the transaction cost of intra-regional trade, evaluate the impact of trade logistics on competitive advantage, examine how the policy regulation and infrastructure impact trade facilitation, judge the potential of trade corridors and identify challenges and opportunities for trade facilitation.

Sub Theme 5: Political Economy of Regional Cooperation in South Asia

Attempts for regional integration have witnessed vastly dissimilar performances; some have experienced remarkable growth in trade and cooperation among members, while others have achieved little. Studies reflect that performances differ because of the differences among regional association in terms of objectives they aim to achieve, balance of power among member states, and political structures and processes of decision-making within individual member states. Extremely skewed balance of power and near hostile relations among its member states has stunted its effectiveness. SAARC nations need to dispel the atmosphere of distrust and suspicion, and build cordial relations. There is also a need to empower the regional institutions to function as a competent facilitator of cooperation in South Asia. Paper Presenters can examine the factors that restrict regional cooperation (such as domestic dynamics of trade between India and Pakistan), identify trade conditions necessary to mainstream trade into national development strategy, level of vertical

Sub Theme 6: South Asia in Global Perspective

South Asia is a strategically important region. It is home to more than a fifth of the world‟s population. South Asia has been one of the fastest growing regions in past decades. In future too, it will significantly affect the pace and pattern of global development. Strong intra-regional cooperation can significantly improve the collective bargaining power of the South Asian countries in global trade negotiations. Future of South Asia lies not only in expanding intra-regional cooperation but also in expanding inter-regional cooperation.

Paper presenters can analyze potential role of South Asia in global economy, examine the potential role that FDI can play to facilitate greater integration of South Asia into global economy, identify what lessons can be learnt from other regional associations such as ASEAN and EU and examine possible advantages of looking beyond South Asia.

Format for Submission

1) Maximum word limit for a complete paper is 4000 words

2) Authors should follow the APA style for referencing and in-text citation.

3) Font: Times New Roman, font size: 12; with 1.5 line spacing; and standard (1 inch) margins.

4) Any tables and figures included should be numbered, and should be in black and white.

5) A title page should include the sub-theme title, paper title, names of the author, institution and country respectively, and the date.

6) A Papers should have an abstract, which should not exceed a world limit of 150

Evaluation Criteria  

All the authors of research papers shall have to make a 15 minutes presentation of their papers. A research paper shall be evaluated for 100 marks (65 marks for the paper and 35 marks for presentation).

Panel Discussion

A country team consisting of two students, from among the paper presenters, shall also participate in a panel discussion on the theme „South Asian Integration: Prospects and Challenges‟. Each member of a team will be given five minutes to present his/her views, followed by a question answer session. The event aims to evaluate the ability of young economists to comprehend the issue, discuss it logically and adhere to ethical values while undertaking such discussions. Best team will be selected by a panel of judges.

Quiz Competition

Each country shall have a team of four participants for the quiz competition. The quiz competition will consist of five rounds, of which, three rounds will be on economic theories and concepts (Microeconomics, Macroeconomics and Development Economics) and a round each on South Asia and general awareness. Each participant of the quiz competition shall also participate individually in the Budding Economist competition.

Budding Economist of South Asia

All participants can compete in the Budding Economist competition. This is a competition that seeks to test individuals on a variety of skill sets. The Budding Economist competition will consist of following events:

1) Essay competition: each participant shall submit an essay on “How the greater regional cooperation will change the lives of people in South Asia?” Authors are expected to provide real examples or anecdotes to support their views. Essay should not exceed 4000 words.

2) Written test: on microeconomics, macroeconomics and development economics

3) Visual Round: Discuss an image shown to them by applying any economics theory and vocabulary.

4) Panel Interview: answer questions from a panel of judges in the final event of the meet.

Marks obtained by a participant in each event shall be carried forward. First round of elimination will be done by combining the marks of the essay and test. Top twenty participants will qualify for the next round and take part in the visual round. Top seven

participants will proceed to the final round of panel interview. A participant with highest aggregate marks shall be declared the winner.

Open Essay Competition

All the participants are invited to submit an essay on “Risk Management in Financial Institutions‟ The essay shall not exceed 4000 words. Best three essays will be awarded a cash prize. Authors of best three essays shall have to make a power point presentation on their work. Each presenter shall have not more than 8 slides to be presented in five minutes.

Risk management within financial institutions has traditionally focused only on the financial risk management aspect. Since the global financial crisis of 2008, banks are implementing enterprise risk management (ERM) framework to strengthen their internal processes and practices for risk identification and monitoring. Given this backdrop, authors need to address issues such as - the extent to which banking sector in their country has strengthened its risk management practices since the financial crisis, and, whether enhance regulations and robust risk management processes within the financial sector help identify systemic risk and circumvent a financial crisis in future.

Submission Deadlines

All the research papers and essays shall be submitted to the conference organizers not later than November 20, 2014.

Retreat

After three days of rigorous academic activities, the participants will have three days of retreat (27-29 December, 2014). Retreat will provide an opportunity to witness the pristine nature and unique cultural heritage of the Land of peaceful Dragon. Retreat will allow the participants to visit famous Dzongs and Monasteries in historical cities of Thimphu, Punakha and Paro. Like academic events, retreat also forms a compulsory part of the conference. Every participant including faculty members shall have to pay a registration fee of US$ 150, to meet the cost of retreat.

SAESM Nepal team

Prof. Dr. Bishwambher Pyakuryal- Chairman

Naveen Adhikari- Executive Coordinator

Khagendra Katuwal- Member

Baburam Karki-Member

Nirmal K Raut-Member

Event Logistics

The host country will provide travel fare from the respective capital cities of each country to Paro. All the registered participants will be provided with food, shared accommodation and local transportation during the conference. Other costs borne (such as visa fees, internal travel in home countries, and discretionary spending during the event) shall not be reimbursed. Further details, including visa processing and travel logistics, will be communicated to the country coordinators at an appropriate time. The country coordinators shall disseminate such information to all the participants.

CALL FOR PAPERS OR PROPOSAL (10th SAESM)

SAESM-NEPAL would like to invite full papers or proposal from Nepali undergraduate economics students for the upcoming regional event-10 South Asian Economics Students Meet (SAESM) to be held in Lahore, Pakistan in December, 2013. The South Asian Economics Students Meet is a yearly conference of undergraduate students of economics from across South Asia, hosted by a network of South Asian universities. This year Lahore University of Management Sciecnes (LUMS) is hosting the event. Last year, SAESM Nepal, Central Department of Economics, Tribhuvan University hosted the event in Nepal in December. SAESM Nepal is being coordinated by a team of faculties from Central Department of Economics(CEDECON), Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu, Nepal under the leadership of Prof. Bishwambher Pyakuryal.

SAESM Nepal Team

Prof. Bishwambher Pyakuryal, Coordinator

Mr. Naveen Adhikari(Member Secretary), Lecturer, CEDECON, TU

Mr. Baburam Karki(Member), Lecturer, CEDECON, TU

Mr. Khagendra Katuwal (Member), Lecturer, CEDECON,TU

Mr. Nirmal K. Raut( Member), Lecturer, CEDECON, TU

All undergraduate students with strong knowledge on economics are called to submit their concept note or full papers by end of September, 2013 to address saesm.nepal@gmail.com with cc to nabueco@gmail.com. The guidelines for preparing concept is available on same blog (http://saesm-nepal.blogspot.com/2012/09/guideline-for-writing-concept-note.html). The selection committee will then make final selection for participation. All selected students must submit their full and final papers  by November, 2013. The details are provided below, yet had there any query, write email to saesm.nepal@gmail.com.

Details of 10th SAESM

There are three events planned this year, with some important changes to existing rules. As in previous years, a total of ten students from each country team will participate, accompanied by two faculty members.  

Six participants from each country will write and present individual research papers on six sub-themes in the area of political economy. The remaining four participants from each country will together participate in a quiz competition. 

Participation in the prestigious Budding Economist of South Asia event will be mandatory for all students participating in the quiz competition; it will be optional for students presenting papers. The objective is to allow all students the chance to participate in this event. 

Further details of all three events follow below. 

Call for Research Papers The questions listed under each theme are only suggestive and meant to help the students explore areas and questions within the themes. It is not intended that authors attempt to answer all of them in one paper, nor does the inclusion of these questions here suggest that there aren’t different and possibly better questions for exploration under these themes. The themes are: 

A - The political economy of access to capital What is the importance of capital to economic growth? What are the constraints to the free availability of capital to all? What determines the ease of access to capital for various economic agents? How do formal and informal rules impact access to capital? How do non-economic factors such as race, ethnicity and family networks determine the extent of access to capital? What has been South Asia’s experience with microfinance? What can be done to improve the access to capital for disadvantaged groups?

               

   B – The political economy of energy and natural resource use How does access to energy, and to natural resources such as surface and subsurface water, clean air, minerals, forests, and other natural resources impact economic decisions in other spheres? How is access to these resources determined? How do economic decisions and the political process impact the production, protection and maintenance of natural resources and the environment in South Asia? 

C – The political economy of modernization What is the role played by the political process in determining how a country attempts to move towards modernity? How is urbanization changing the politics of resource allocation in South Asia? What determines government policies towards the agricultural, industrial and service sectors? How are attitudes towards modernization formed in different social groups, and how do these attitudes in turn impact economic policy? 

D – The political economy of public finance What processes determine a government’s economic role? How do public perceptions and opinions shape government expenditures? How has the size of government changed in South Asia, and what has been its impact? How has politics influenced the privatization process? How have taxes for various sectors been determined in various countries of South Asia? How have taxes caused distortion of resource allocation? What are the political costs associated with different forms of government financing? What formal checks and informal costs limit the government’s ability to print money in South Asia? How can South Asian countries increase the tax net and reduce reliance on indirect taxation?  

E – The political economy of social security What factors determine the level of social insurance and old-age benefits in South Asia? What have been the biggest challenges to South Asia’s provision of basic social security (such as food, housing, health and education) to disadvantaged groups? Do elected officials favor the provision of some types of social security over others? What political processes determine the level of inter- generational transfers within South Asia? 

F – The political economy of international trade How do countries determine the rules and processes through which they conduct international trade? What is the role of domestic politics in shaping international trade? How does trade influence international conflict in South Asia? What is the role played by international institutions in shaping South Asian countries’ trade patterns? 

Guidelines: • Authors should follow the American Psychological Association (APA) style for referencing and in-text citation.  

• The formatting must be Times New Roman, size 12 font; with 1.5 line spacing; and standard (1 inch) margins. Page numbers should be included. 

• Any tables and figures included should be numbered, and should be in black and white. 

• A title page should include the theme title, paper title, names of the author, institution and country respectively, and the date, as well as an abstract. 

• It is recommended that papers consider including a statement of the problem/research question; literature review; methodology; results and discussion, and conclusions and recommendations. The actual structure of papers may differ according to whether a case study, literature review, theoretic, or empirical study is attempted. It is strongly recommended that students consult their professors and

country coordinators to understand proper structuring, as well as studying how academic journal articles are structured. 

• Your work will be judged first and foremost on the level of its economic content. This means that it must be clear upon reading the paper that the author has had training in economic science, and is making distinctly economic arguments. While other aspects of writing, such as structure, clarity, style, topical content and relevance to South Asia are also important, we wish to stress this first criterion, since students sometimes fail to address it sufficiently. 

Quiz Competition Each country will field a team of four participants in the quiz competition. The competition will consist of questions about economics of both an academic and general nature. Past competitions have tested participants on a wide set of questions, ranging from general questions about classical works, Nobel Laureates, and significant recent contributions to testing knowledge about specific definitions, models and equations. 

Each participant of the quiz competition must also participate individually in the Budding Economist competition. 

Budding Economist of South Asia All participants are eligible to compete in the Budding Economist competition this year. This is a competition that seeks to test individuals on a variety of skill sets. Participants must submit a three-page essay; take a written test of their knowledge of microeconomics, macroeconomics and development economics; participate in a visual round in which they will have to discuss the economic aspects of an image of an everyday object; and finally answer questions from a panel of judges in the final event of the meet. 

The essay is due November 15th, and the topic is: “Can South Asia experience economic reform without political revolution?” A panel of judges will evaluate the essays. Marks on the essay will be carried forward, and no eliminations will be done at this stage. 

During the event, all participants will take the written test. The first elimination will be done by combining the results of the test with the essay marks. About twenty students will then take part in the visual round, and the top seven will proceed to the final interview stage. 

Retreat A 2-3 day recreational retreat after the conference is an integral part of the SAESM experience. This is a chance for students from across the region to interact more closely, learn about their similarities and differences, and develop ties across borders.  

The retreat is compulsory for all participants, and is not subsidized. The cost of the retreat is included in the registration fee. Further logistical details about the retreat will follow later.

Guideline for Writing Concept Note

Guideline for Writing Concept Note (for Nepali Prospective Students)

As most of the query coming from our dear students are on 'writing concept note', this post we believe could be helpful. The concept note should contain: Background and Statement of Problem (1 Page), research questions and objectives (a paragraph), brief review of literature and methodology (1.5 pages).
1. Background/Statement of Research Problem: You must provide background and should able to raise a genuine,  tenable and interesting research problem/ Issues. The research problem and issues should be well articulated and well supported by evidence such that there is need of further investigation on the topic you select.
2. Write down brief yet clear questions and objectives.
3. Provide brief review of literature along with research gap. Reviewing 3-4 good articles could be sufficient at this stage.
4. Write down the research design,  data source, method of analysis for purposed research paper.
5. Those wishing to participate on Budding economist could list down the agenda only. We don't need details of what is explained above. As it will be an essay, so we just want the direction of your write up. Therefore, listing your prospective on bullets will work.

The selection committee will be more interested on knowing how well the research problem/issues is articulated or raised? how interesting and relevant the research objectives are? how far the objectives are doable? We do not expect a perfect methodology at this stage. We will focus more on the research problem you have raised.

Please write to saesm.nepal@gmail.com for further query. 

9th SAESM Organizing Members

From Left to Right: Resham, Naveen, Nirmal, Baburam, Khagendra

Message from Chairperson

Bishwambher Pyakuryal, Ph D Professor of Economics and Coordinator SAESM-2012 Central Department of Economics Tribhuvan University Kirtipur, Kathmandu Dear all, Greetings from Nepal!! The United Nations Environment Program has come out with the working definition of green economy, which results in improved human well-being and social equity, while significantly reducing environmental risk and ecological scarcities. The global green economy initiative intends to provide the analysis and policy support for investing in green sectors and in greening environmental unfriendly sectors. The purpose of focusing on the theme “Towards a Green South Asia” is, therefore, to create awareness among the young and promising South Asian Economics students that there is a possibility in reducing environmental risks and ecological scarcities through green economic development. The collaborative efforts are needed to maintain such a development path that can rebuild natural capital as critical economic assets especially for the poor whose livelihoods and security depend largely on nature. The Central Department of Economics, Tribhuvan University is privileged to host 9th event of the South Asian Economics Students Meet , 2012 in Kathmandu. This is the city of cultural diversity with remarkable wealth filled with sculptures, pagodas, stupas and palace buildings of exceptional beauty. Profession discourse in a beautiful valley surrounded by snow-picked mountains is expected to provide meaningful recommendations in establishing linkages between the environment, economy and sustainable development. On behalf of Tribhuvan University and the organizing committee of SAESM-2012, I would sincerely like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the collaborators and supporters especially the world Bank for encouraging us to convene the meet in Kathmandu. We are looking forward to our regional guests and invitees to receiving them in the capital city very soon.

Notice to Nepali Student (Important)

Notice to Prospective NEPALI Students participating on SAESM-2012

We feel happy to apprise you that SAESM organizing committee-Nepal, Central Department of Economics, Tribhuvan University is hosting 9th edition of South Asian Economics Students’ Meet (SAESM) during 17-22, December 2012 here in Kathmandu, Nepal. A public call for participating on this meet has already been issued on 31th August, 2012. In this regard, the Nepal SAESM team has been facilitating the selection of students from Nepal. The details of selection criteria are as follows:

1. The student should submit a concept note on the different themes mentioned on the call by 20 September. This applies to those who are wishing to participate on Budding Economist and Inter University Quiz contest. Students participating on paper presentation should chose a theme mentioned on the call while those wishing to participate on budding economist should submit on “Agenda for Greening South Asian Economy” (Refer to 9^th SAESM Announcement)
2.  The concept note should include problem statement, research questions/ objectives, brief review of literature and methodology and should not exceed maximum of 3 pages.
3.   The candidate must be a regular student of any university within Nepal. The student must have proper understanding of economics and should be equipped with both theoretical and practical aspects.
4.   The concept note will be reviewed by a team of faculties/experts and final selection will be based on their recommendation. 
5.  After the screening of concept note, the students will be notified for the final selection. Student then must write full research paper. The deadline for first draft is Oct 30, 2012.
6.  The student will have to pay a subsidized rate of NPR 5000 as registration fee. This will include accommodation and meal during conference.  

7. Please kindly submit your concept note to saesm.nepal@gmail.com. Had there any query you can post to same email.
8. Along with concept note, you must indicate your name, affiliated college and university, correspondence address eg. Email/phone and address.
9. Please read the SAESM call carefully.

Issued by: SAESM-NEPAL organizing Committee Central Department of Economics, TU Kirtipur, Kathmandu

SAESM Annoucement

Announcement

Theme “Towards a Green South Asia” Organized by

SAESM-Nepal Central Department of Economics Tribhuvan University Kirtipur, Kathmandu

SAESM-NEPAL, Central Department of Economics is pleased to announce 9th edition of South Asian Economics Students Meet (SAESM) during 17-22 December 2012 here in Kathmandu, Nepal. Find the details below:

Event Highlights

1.0 Research Paper

2.0 Budding Economist Competition

3.0 South Asian Quiz Contest
4.0 World Bank Policy Competition
5.0 Retreat cum Field Visit
6.0 Plenary Sessions and Panel Discussion

1.0 Call for Research Paper

9th SAESM announce call for papers on following broad themes:

Theme 1: Green Accounting and GDP

While the traditional systems of national accounts (SNA) include the limited benefits we are receiving from our nature and environments, there is growing consensus among economists to include all the aspects of benefits and costs that our activities are posing to environment. There is need to extend SNA to make it inclusive of environmental assets, functions and cost to the environment. This has led to green accounting and attempts to find out green GDP. In this respect, the research paper can highlight the current approach toward green accounting and GDP; country or region specific problems and issues in relation to accounting and measurement; benefits of greening the GDP, alternatives to current measurement of GDP, from GDP to wealth of Nations, green GDP and welfare considerations etc. The research questions can be why green accounting? How to make green accounting more inclusive? What are the measurement issues? What problems are there on valuations of Green aspects of economy? etc.

Theme 2: Green Technology and Production, Green Business and Green Jobs

In an attempt to increase the production and productivity, our activities and adoption of technology has seriously resulted into many environmental unfriendly consequences. Considering the social cost arising out of negative externalities on our attempt for production and use of technology, there is need for greening the production process through green state of arts and technology. This calls for use of technology to reduce the costs to our planet, greening and cleaning our production techniques to minimize bi-products, wastages and correcting negative externalities to society. This also asks for creating green jobs and doing green business. Therefore, the research paper can include the successful stories/practices of adopting green technology, innovative way for creating green jobs, private sector approaches for green business. The paper could also through prospective on use of environmental friendly technology and production. The paper could also highlights business firm’s roles and responsibility towards nature and our planet, government policies to make these workable, regulations on the markets, regulatory framework and approaches etc.

Theme 3: Green Trade and Commerce

Trade in environmental goods and services (EGS) is expected to contribute to the sustainable development of the region vis-à-vis trade in traditional gods and services that ignores accounting for the environmental impact. The trade today has been rapidly emerging as the new arena for international trade which the region can explore to build on its competitive edge by inducting/using cost effective cleaner technology in their list of tradable items. The current issues that have been hindering the warranted growth in the trade in the region remain the limited lists of exportable EGS; liberalization or removal of barriers in trade of EGS; provision of environmental technologies and products; education/knowhow to utilize such technologies to abate pollution; market access in developed and rapidly growing economies; regulatory frameworks; institutional capacities among others. In general, students may focus on the region specific or country specific problems that is constraining the ‘Green trade’ to flourish with short term and long term remedies. Specifically, they may explore on the market based initiatives/instruments that can create and expand national and international markets for EGS and are largely compatible with WTO requirements. What are the social costs and benefits from the adoption of such initiatives? Some issues that may draw attention are: Does the growth in EGS industries and trade promote or discourage income inequality?  Whether the expected benefits from environment, technology and exports market exceed the expected losses in revenue? Does the new category of environmental goods and services assist the country in strengthening the bargaining position in the international forum? SWOT analysis of the trade liberalization in EGS may also be useful.

Theme 4: Green Ecology and Environment

Its common belief that ecological and environmental components penetrate consumption s well as production behaviours intermingling with usual consumption basket and classical inputs respectively. It demands the interdisciplinary knowledge base and practical skills to craft robust economic policies to guarantee the optimality of all economic agents.  At the same time, anthropogenic environmental problems such as global warming, climate change and biodiversity loss etc. are the current pressing issues having enormous long-run impact on social welfare, especially in South Asia. Therefore, developing scientific valuation method and opting appropriate management regime is necessary to know economy-environment-ecology interface. In this context, it’s urgent to explore how economic science and institutions can facilitate maximum economic benefit and biodiversity conservation subject to prevailing geo-socio-economic heterogeneity and resource availability. We must know how alternative use of available natural resources ensures biodiversity conservation and economic benefit juxtapose. Meeting ever expanding human needs and conserving biodiversity together is an important issue these days.

The papers can be on how we can fight against poverty through sustainable use of available biodiversity and ecological resources at regional, national and local level; where local institutions could play pivotal role to manage the local resources. It can be on how natural science and economics science put together can better inform concern institutions, and how strong sustainability could be achieved. We have sufficient evidence in hand that the human encroachment is damaging natural habitat and land use which is ultimately leading towards biodiversity loss, soil erosion and lake degradation in South Asia. It is ultimately leading the region towards vicious circle of poverty trap. How can it be checked could be another interesting issue. Livelihood of thousands of people is dependent on natural resource in this region, how can it be better managed that guaranteed their natural property right is another serious issue in this region. Well-informed local institutions can manage local resources can be another issue.

Theme 5: Green Energy

The excessive use of fossil fuels and traditional source of energy by households like fuel wood has resulted into release of tons of Green House Gases and has hazardous health implications to the human beings. While there is fear for short supply of those resources, time has come to think on an alternative and innovative way to meet the energy requirements of today. The renewable energy technologies (RETs) have been the most viable alternative to substitute the traditional source of energy demand. The paper could highlight the benefits of RETs occurring to environment, economy and individuals, cost effectiveness of these technology, markets mechanism and role of government subsidy etc. The paper could also highlight the costs (individual or social) of use of traditional energy, the problems at policy or implementing framework to opt for alternative energy. The benefits of use of RETs like hydro, solar and Wind energy, their prospects and problems. South Asia being immense potential of hydropower, the prospects of regional cooperation and trade on hydro electricity, policy considerations and problems could also be interesting theme. 

Theme 6: Green Climate and Economy

As Al Gore’s popular video “An inconvenient truth” recognize and highlight the aspects of climate change and global warming, there is need for the correction of human behaviour while consuming our planet and putting pressure on it. The adaptation and mitigation strategies are recommended to cope with climate change. The paper could highlight the various aspects of adaptation and mitigation strategies, case study and documentation of best adaptation strategies, government readiness to finance. Likewise, the paper could also examine the impacts of climate change on various aspects of economic life. Examining the effect on agriculture, assessing the vulnerability of poor and marginalized communities could also be interesting topic of research.

Guidelines for Research Paper

The researcher should take one of the issues/ problems highlighted within any of the themes called for paper submission. Few research questions and issues have been highlighted above and these give brief guidelines to the researcher. However, these do not limit the scope of including other important research questions. Priority in selection will be given to the innovative and practical papers rather than the papers/those with a mere focus on theoretical concepts and methods. The paper should focus on regional or national prospective. An evaluation team of academia from South Asian region will be formed for evaluation; and Paper will go through blind review process.

Paper Selection

All the papers should be submitted to their respective country coordinator and the country coordinator will recommend a best paper for the participation in the conference.

Requirements

·         Authors should follow the American Psychological Association (APA) style for the referencing and in-text citation.

·         The font should be in Times New Roman

·         The font size should be 12 with 1.15 spaces for the main write up.

·         1 inch margin on the each side of the paper should be left.

·         The write up including all the tables and figures should be in black and white

·         No chapter is recommended and Tables/Figures starts from 1.

·         The page number should be placed at bottom starting from the main write up.

·         The first page should be the title page which should include the title of the paper, name of the theme, name of the student and his/her institutional affiliation and the date.

·         The paper should include but not limited to - Background/Problem Statement, Research Questions and Objectives, Brief Review of Literature, Methodology, Results and Discussions, Conclusions and Recommendations.

·         The word limit for the paper should not exceed 5000 excluding the title and the abstract.

·         An abstract not exceeding 200 words should be provided in the paper.

2.0: Budding Economist Competition

The country coordinator shall select four students from respective country for the budding economist competition.  All the students participating in the budding economist competition should write a paper on a theme provided below.

 “Agenda for Greening South Asian Economy”

Besides, these students will also have/need to sit for oral and written examinations during the conference in Kathmandu. These include:

·         Visual Round: Each student competing in Budding Economist should/need to participate in the visual round. Students are supposed to give the economic meaning/understanding/ interpretation/ perception of photographs or any visual items displayed during the competition.

·         Written Exam: Each student competing for Budding Economist should sit in the 3 written exams a) General Theories- Microeconomics and Macroeconomics; b) Development Issues and Problems; and c) Quantitative Methods. The reference books for written examination will be provided later.

·         Final Interview: Top 5 final competitors of Budding Economist will be invited for final interview from a group of juries). The interview will include the questions but not limited to the economic theories and their applications as well as contemporary global and regional economic issues.

3.0: 9th South Asian Economics Quiz Contest

Three students from each country can participate on the 9th South Asian Economics Quiz Contest. The content of the quiz will include a) General Economic Theories; b) Contemporary Economic and Development Issues; and c) History of Economic Ideas

4.0 World Bank Policy Competition

All the participants in the Policy Competition should choose among the issues (as) asked (provided) by the World Bank to decide on their topic for essay writing purpose. The finalists so selected will have to attend the plenary session. The details will be provided later.

5.0 Retreat

A two day retreat program will be organized following the conference. This will include a campfire and sightseeing of few historical places as well as of the panoramic view of mountains in the outskirts of Kathmandu Valley.

6.0 Other Information

Number of Participants*

A total 12 participants from each country (10 students and 2 faculties) will be invited to participate in the conference.

Country	Paper	Budding Economist	Quiz Contest**	Faculty	Total
Bangladesh	6	4	3	2	12
Bhutan	6	4	3	2	12
India	6	4	3	2	12
Pakistan	6	4	3	2	12
Sri Lanka	6	4	3	2	12

Note: Nepal being a host country reserves the right to nominate and increase the number of participants

** The country coordinator for this purpose will nominate 3 students from the participants of the paper presentation and Budding Economist Competition

Country Coordinators

All the prospective participants should write to their respective country coordinator for further details to participate on conference.

Country	Contact
Nepal (Host country)	Dr. Bishwambhar Pyakuryal, Professor, Central Department of Economics, Tribhuvan University, Nepal Email: saesm.nepal@gmail.com
Bangladesh	Dr. Selim Rehain, Associate Professor, Department of Economics, University of Dhaka, Bangladesh Email: sraihan_duecon@yahoo.com
Bhutan	Dr. Sanjeev Mehata, Professor, Royal Thimpu College, Bhutan Email: rishuri@gmail.com
India	Dr. Deb Kusum Das, Associate Professor, Ramjas College, University of Delhi, India Email: dkd_ramjas@yahoo.com
Pakistan	Dr. Turab Hussian, Associate Professor, Department of Economics, Lahor university of management sciences, Lahor, Pakistan Email: Turab@lums.edu.pk
Sri Lanka	Dr. Sirimal Abayeratne, Professor, Department of Economics, University of Colombo, Srilanka Email: sirimal@econ.cmb.ac.lk

Selection of the participants

All country coordinators will have a right to select the participants from their own country. The organizing team will accept the participants under the recommendation of country coordinator. Please contact your respective country coordinator for details of the selection process.

Travel and Accommodation

The Organizer will provide the economic class and cheapest air route tickets to our foreign participants. We will provide economic class travel fare from capital city of respective country to Kathmandu.  All the meals and accommodations on twin sharing basis during the conference will be provided by the organizer. 

Registration Fee

All the participants (students and faculties) should pay registration fee of 150 USD (One hundred and fifty USD only) to participate in the conference.

Important Dates

·         October 15, 2012- Submission of final Name of the Students and Faculty from Each Country on prescribed format with scan of passport.

·         November 15, Submission of Final Papers (Research Papers and Budding Economist)

·         December 10, Submission of Presentation on PPT

Visa Requirements

All countries (Except India) participating on SAESM should obtain the visa to enter Nepal. There is no visa requirement for Indian passport holder. The rest of foreign participants should apply for 15/30 days tourist visa at the time of entry upon arrival and no visa fee will be levied for the member states of South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC). Don’t forget to take few passport size photo along with you.

Important

According to rule of Government of Nepal, carrying Indian currency of denomination of 500 and 1000 is prohibited within Nepal.

Contact Person

Naveen Adhikari,

 Assistant Professor ; and  Member Secretary

South Asian Economics Students Meet (SAESM) Secretariat

Central Department of Economics

Tribhuvan University

Kirtipur, Kathmandu

GPO 3821

Phone: 977-1-4330950  Fax: 977-1-4333539  Cell: 977-9851062222

Email: saesm.nepal@gmail.com/ naveen@cedecontu.edu.np

Website: http://www.saesm.com/

 Special Thanks