KATHMANDU, Oct 10: Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Prakash Sharan Mahat has said terrorism, religious extremism, violence and organized crime have become a challenge in the Asia region as well. 

He said this while addressing the Second Summit of the Asian Cooperation Dialogue (ACD) in Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, today. He underlined the need of collective efforts for controlling such activities taking them as crime against humanity. 

Stating that Asia lagged behind in terms of development due to the weak transport infrastructure, and lack of road connectivity and technology transfer despite many possibilities of human development in the region, Minister Mahat reiterated collective initiatives for the development of Asia region. 
He stated that Nepal at present was in the reconstruction phase following the devastating earthquake and thanked the world community for the support extended it for this purpose. 
The Minister also mentioned that Nepal would embark on economic development with the effective implementation of the constitution, adding that preparations were being made for the election to the parliament and the federal structures. 
The Summit started on October 9 with the participation of 34 countries from Asia. The summit is expected to conclude late night today by issuing the Bangkok Declaration. 
Meanwhile, Minister Mahat attended the ACD Connect Business Forum 2016 held in Bangkok on 9 October 2016. 
The Business Forum is an important event in the course of the 2nd Asia Cooperation Dialogue (ACD) Summit, being held in Bangkok on 8-10 October. 
The Forum was inaugurated by Gen. Prayut Chan-o-cha, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand. The Forum was attended by Ministers, senior officials and business community of the ACD member countries. The main objective of the Forum is to promote links and relations among the business communities in ACD countries. The Forum was held under the slogan of "Innovative Financial Connectivity for a Sustainable Asia". 
Prime Minister of Thailand delivered the keynote address under the theme of "The Indispensable Role of Business in the Evolution of ACD". 
On Sunday evening, the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Nepal also attended a Welcoming Dinner hosted by the Thai Prime Minister. Heads of State, Heads of Government, Ministers and senior officials from ACD countries were present in the Dinner. 
Minister Mahat is leading the Nepali delegation to the 2nd ACD summit. The Nepalese delegation includes Foreign Secretary Mr Shanker Das Bairagi, Nepal's Ambassador in Bangkok Dr Khaga Nath Adhikari, and senior officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Embassy of Nepal in Bangkok, the Embassy of Nepal in Bangkok stated in a press release today. RSS 

 
• dr prakash sharan mahat
 
• minister for foreign affairs
 
• extremism
 
• second summit of the asian cooperation
 
• thailand