SAARC
South Asian Association For
Regional Cooperation
SAARC is the regional intergovernmental
organization and geopolitical union of
countries in South Asia.
REGIONAL ECONOMIC
INTEGRATION
Regional Economic Integration There are various regional
refers to an agreement economic integration in Asia,
between countries in a America, Africa, Europe,
geographical region to reduce Australia and Pacific Island
tariff and non- tariff barriers to Countries.
free flow of goods, services and SAARC is the regional economic
integration in Asia. The others
factors of production between
being APEC, ASEAN etc.
each other.
SOME BASIC FACTS
Covering a SAARC comprises
Established with The Secretariat Pakistan's Diplomat
population of of 8 Member
the signing of the of the Amjad Hussain B.
more than 1.7 Countries.
SAARC Charter in Association Sial is the current
billion, SAARC The last summit
Dhaka on 8 was set up in Secretary-General,
is the largest (19th Summit) was
December 1985. Kathmandu, having assumed
regional held in
Nepal on 17 charge on 1 March
organization in Islamabad in
January 1987. 2017.
the world. 2016.
THE LOGO
This logo was designed by one of
the famous artist from Nepal,
Shailendra Kumar Maharjan.
Deep Propositions
Seven pigeons represent the
seven member countries –
Bangladesh, Bhutan, India,
Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri
Lanka seeking peace. The
pigeons symbolize peace and
freedom.
Two eyes of Buddha, who is the
symbol of peace.
Two thumbs symbolize –
member countries of the
SAARC vow to unite and
support one another in the
time of need.
Two hands together symbolize
friendship and goodwill that all
seven countries in the region,
which are all dedicated to
helping one another.
MEMBER COUNTRIES OBSERVER COUNTRIES
1. AUSTRALIA
1. AFGHANISTAN (joined in 2007)
2. CHINA
2. BANGLADESH
3. EUROPEAN UNION
3. BHUTAN
4. JAPAN
4. INDIA
5. IRAN
5. MALDIVES
6. MAURITIUS
6. NEPAL
7. MYANMAR
7. PAKISTAN
8. SOUTH KOREA
8. SRI LANKA
9. UNITED STATES
The objectives of the Association as outlined in the SAARC Charter are:
To promote the welfare of the peoples of South Asia
To improve their quality of life
To accelerate economic growth, social progress and cultural development in the region
To provide all individuals the opportunity to live in dignity and to realize their full potentials
To promote and strengthen collective self-reliance among the countries of South Asia
To contribute to mutual trust, understanding and appreciation of one another's problems;
to promote active collaboration and mutual assistance in the economic, social, cultural,
technical and scientific fields
To strengthen cooperation with other developing countries
To strengthen cooperation among themselves in international forums on matters of
common interests
To cooperate with international and regional organizations with similar aims and purposes.
EVOLUTION
Adopting the
Addressing a First meeting of Series of Formal
Idea meetings held in: Declaration
letter to the Foreign establishmen
mooted by on South
Heads of Secretaries of Nepal (1981) t of SAARC in
Ziaur the 7 countries
Asian
Government of Pakistan (1982) December
Rehman in in Columbo in Regional
the South Asian Bangladesh, 1985 in
May 1980. April 1981. Cooperation
Countries. India (1983) Dhaka.
(SARC)
SAARC SECRETARIAT
The SAARC Secretariat is based in Kathmandu, Nepal. It
coordinates and monitors implementation of activities, prepares
for and services meetings, and serves as a channel of
communication between the Association and its Member
States as well as other regional organizations. The Secretariat is
headed by the Secretary General, who is appointed by the
Council of Ministers from Member States in alphabetical order
for a three year term. H.E. Mr. Amjad Hussain [Link] from
Pakistan is the current Secretary General. The Secretary General
is assisted by eight Directors on deputation from the Member
States. The SAARC Secretariat and Member States observe 8
December as the SAARC Charter Day.
Respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity, political equality
and independence of all member states.
Non- interference in the internal matters.
Cooperation for mutual benefit.
All decisions to be taken unanimously and need a quorum for
all 8 members.
All bilateral issues to be kept aside and only multilateral issues
to be discussed without being prejudiced by bilateral issues.
BENEFITS AND ACHIEVEMENTS
Establishment of SAPTA (SAARC Preferential Trade Agreement).
Setting up of Technical Committees.
Establishment of a 3 tier mechanism for exchanging information on poverty
reduction programs.
Management by the SAARC Food Security Reserve Board.
Establishment of SAARC Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI).
Formation of SAIC (SAARC Agricultural Information Centre).
To help the SAARC countries socially, economically and financially.
Formation of SAGQ ( South Asian Growth Quadrangle).
CONTRIBUTION TO THE SAARC FOOD BANK
Secretaries to the
Government
Finance/Planning
THE 3 TIER Secretaries
MECHANISM
Finance/Planning
Ministers
SAARC
THIMPU, BHUTAN
GROWTH
QUADRANGLE
LIMITATIONS
Gives access only to a certain goods.
Illegal trade in goods has increased.
Dominance of India.
Political consideration and geographical disadvantages for some countries, which were responsible for
affecting intra regional trading.
This is one of the biggest reasons why SAARC has failed to achieve most of its objectives.
Policy of non-interference Article II clearly states, “Cooperation within the framework of the
Association shall be based on… non-interference in the internal affairs of other States and mutual
benefit.” It strictly limits the member nation’s ability to push an agenda if there is any opposition .
This led to an incident of security violation, the biggest example of the which was Kargil War
(1999).
SAARC could have taken a decisive step to resolve the dispute. But it did not. Despite several
promises to resolve the political differences among the member states, those especially between
India and Pakistan continue and have stalled progress on many projects including the South Asia
Free Trade Agreement (SAFTA). If operative, it would allow the free movement of people, goods,
services and ideas.
According to an article dated Jan 13, 2020 by Rajkumar Singh states:
“SAARC is falling short of gaining a similar significance as is attached to
the economic and diplomatic achievements of ASEAN. If we compare
various regional groupings in a ranking order, the European community,
on account of its high degree of integration as well as economic and
political cooperation, would be on the top. At the present stage, SAARC
would only be placed at the bottom; but there is also an optimistic
approach. If we take into account the central problem of South Asian
politics along with India’s relationship with its neighbors and the resulting
contentious issues, SAARC has offered an opportunity for introducing
confidence-building measures on a higher level and has succeeded in
reducing regional tension. In spite of the many obstacles caused by the
regional power and economic structure, the anemic infant SAARC not
only survived but even grew slowly, broadening its scope, especially in
the sphere of trade, building an institutional framework and generating a
climate for regional cooperation.”
