1. President, BSHRM & APFHRM
HR/IR Issues in South Asia
Md. Musharrof Hossain
President, BSHRM & APFHRM

2. South Asian Countries

3. South Asia region has great economic strength
1. Market potential
Billion population, almost half are below the age of 25 (Human Resources)
3. Rich in natural resources

4. Population below 25 years in South Asia
South Asia offering young and growing population - competitive advantage

5. Structural Challenges
Lack of infrastructure development
Unstable law and order situation
Widespread poverty
Massive illiteracy
Huge unemployment
lack of proper health and education infrastructure
Excess unskilled labors
Regional conflict
HR Challenges
Unstructured HR in most countries
Less HR practices in Govt. sector in many countries
No HR ministry in many countries
Employers are not giving HR full priority
Lacking of HR  education
Focus on admin and logistics works
Limited HR career path
Labor law not fully practiced
IT is not integrated with HR other than India
Regional Challenges

6. The Reality of South Asia
Over the next 20 to 30 years, global trends are likely to change due to aging population in Europe and East Asia
Depleting resources of the Middle East and shifting production and investment in South Asia.
Opened gates for the skilled workforce of SA within labor markets around the world +
The emerging workplace in S. Asia
Attracted huge investments due to availability of cheap labor
If the South Asian region develop its workforce and achieve comparative advantages in specific fields, it will be a power in world economy.
The Reality of South Asia
If not addressed now, there will be a likelihood of greater unemployment, poverty and so on

7. What to Do? Addressing Structural Challenges
Enhanced cooperation among South Asian countries to reduce conflict
SAARC needs to be strengthened to implements its Vision
Legal framework established to define each other's comparative advantage and areas of cooperation
Creating an enabling environment to absorb surplus workforce within the region
Resource sharing
Easing visa process
Security cooperation
Communication connectivity
Solve bilateral issues
What to Do?

8. What to Do? Addressing HR challenges
Achieving universal access to primary education
Vocational training to be provided at three levels: primary, junior secondary and higher secondary level
A bilateral body should be established to perform the functions
Plan and arrange regular interaction between technical training experts
Develop a common technical training curriculum
Establish similar certification standards for students & employees
Arrange regular training and workshops
Establish vocational and technical training institutions in every counties
Establish a joint fund to provide scholarships to potential students
What to Do?

9. What to Do------? Addressing HR challenges
Strengthening South Asian universities on HR teaching, learning and research
Establish an “‘area of knowledge’ and ‘common educational space
Strengthening HR associations – to enhance advocacy with Government, Civil Society & Business community to raise HR awareness
Integration of IT with HR
Increased use of English language
What to Do------?

10. Thanks…