SAARC

South Asian Association for Regional

Cooperation

PresentedBy:
Shuchi Gupta
MBA First Sem

INTRODUCTION

SAARC is an economic and

political organization.

SAARC was established on

December 8, 1985.

In terms of population
more than 2 billion people.

It aims to accelerate
the process of
economic and social
development in
Member States.

SAARC provides a
platform for the
peoples of South Asia
to work together in the
spirit understanding.

In April 2007, at the

Association's 14th
summit, Afghanistan
became its eighth
member.

HISTORY
Idea of regional cooperation in South Asia was discussed in at least three
conferences:
1-the Asians Relations Conference in New Delhi in April 1947
2-the Baguio Conference in the Philippines in May 1950,
3-the Colombo Powers Conference in April 1954

The first concrete proposal for establishing a framework for regional

cooperation in South Asia was made by the late president of
Bangladesh, Zia-ur-Rehman, on May 2, 1980.

Established on 8 December 1985.

Its seven founding members are Sri Lanka, Bhutan, India, Maldives,
Nepal, Pakistan, and Bangladesh.

REASONS FOR FORMATION OF

SAARC
1.
2.
3.

4.

5.
6.
7.

Central Location of Asia.

Common features of Indian Subcontinent.
All Countries gained independence after second
world war.
All countries have some cultural background &
History.
The region is poor & over populated.
Predominance of agriculture.
Dependence of the economy on southwest
monsoon.

PRINCIPLES

Respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity, political equality

and independence of all members states.

Non-interference in the internal matters.

Cooperation for mutual benefit.

All decisions to be taken unanimously.

All bilateral issues to be kept aside and only multilateral issues

to be discussed.

AIMS and OBJECTIVES

Welfare of the people of south Asia.

Economic growth, social progress and cultural development .

Understanding and appreciation of one another's problems.

Strengthen cooperation among themselves as well as with

other developing countries and international and regional
organizations

Maintain peace in the region.

CURRENT MEMBERS OF
SAARC
1.

Afghanistan
2007)

2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.

Bangladesh
Bhutan
India
Maldives
Nepal
Pakistan
Sri Lanka

(joined the organization in

ORGANIZATIONAL
STRUCTURE OF SAARC

SECRETARIAT
SAARC secretariat is located in Nepal. It is
headed by the Secretary-General appointed
by the Council of Ministers. Its function
include:

Coordination, execution and monitoring of

SAARC activities
Servicing the SAARC meetings
Works as communication link between the
SAARC and other international forums.
Current Secretariat: Arjun Bahadur Thapa

AREAS OF COOPERATION

Agriculture & Biotechnology

Trade & Finance
Education
Information , Communication & Media
Science & Technology
Energy & Environment
Tourism & Social Development
Culture

SUMMITS
AND
MEETINGS

SUMMITS
1st Summit (Dec 1985):
Venue: Dhaka
Reaffirmation of the UN Charter and respect for each others
sovereignty.
Concern over the global economic crisis.
2nd Summit (1986):
Venue: Bangalore
Strengthening of ties between member states.
Condemned terrorism.
8th Summit (1987):
Venue: New Delhi
14th Summit (2007):
Venue: Delhi
SAARC Agenda for Culture launched.
South Asian university to be established in India.


17th Summit (2011):
Venue: Addu Citty
Declarations and endorsements.
18th Summit (2014):
Venue: Nepal- Kathmandu
Declarations and endorsements.
Motto - Deeper Integration for Peace and
Prosperity.
19th Summit (2016):
Venue: Pakistan- Islamabad
To be held.

FALIURES OF SAARC

India tries to dominate the function and activities

of SAARC
Large variety of different political system
Large variety regional and cultural differences
They lack financial resources and advance
technologies
Involvement of external factors
Internal problems constituting social economic and
developmental and growth issues
Bilateral disputes and differences
Food Security Reserve failed to meet the need of
Bangladesh

SAARC DECADES

1991-2000
2001-2010
2006-2015
2010-2020

SAARC
SAARC
SAARC
SAARC

Decade
Decade
Decade
Decade

of
of
of
of

the Girl Child

the Rights of of the child
the Poverty Alleviation
Intra Regional Connectivity

FUTURE MEMBERSHIP
The People's Republic of China
The Islamic Republic of Iran
The Russian Federation
Union of Myanmar
The Republic of South Africa