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Course Code: POL- 426

Course Title: Regional Organizations

Assignment Topic: South Asian Association for Regional

Cooperation (SAARC)
Submitted To: Dr Mazhar Iqbal
Submitted By: Usama Hameed
Roll No: 6705

Department: Political Science

Semester: 8th
Date: 24.05.2024

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 SAARC

Outline:
a. Introduction.
b. Foundation, organization and purposes.
c. Achievements and failures.
d. Future prospects and challenges.

Introduction:
The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) was founded on December 8,
1985. The establishment of SAARC was the result of efforts by the seven founding countries to create a
platform for regional cooperation in South Asia. The initiative aimed at promoting economic and
regional integration, fostering collaboration, and improving the quality of life for the people in the
region. Promoting active collaboration and mutual assistance in the economic, social, cultural, technical,
and scientific fields. Strengthening cooperation with other developing countries and strengthening
cooperation among themselves in international forums on matters of common interests. Cooperating
with international and regional organizations with similar aims and purposes.

Foundation of SAARC
The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) was founded on December 8,
1985. The idea of establishing a regional organization for South Asia was first proposed by the late
President of Bangladesh, Ziaur Rahman, in May 1980. The proposal was aimed at fostering regional
cooperation and was discussed in a series of meetings among the seven founding countries: Bangladesh,
Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. These discussions culminated in the formal
establishment of SAARC during its first summit in Dhaka, Bangladesh, from December 7-8, 1985. The
leaders of the seven founding countries adopted the SAARC Charter, thereby officially establishing the
organization.

Historical Context and Formation

1. Initial Proposal:

 The idea of regional cooperation in South Asia was first proposed by Bangladesh’s
President Ziaur Rahman in May 1980. He sent letters to the leaders of South Asian
countries suggesting the creation of a regional organization.

2. Early Meetings:

 The proposal led to a series of meetings among the foreign secretaries of the seven
South Asian countries (Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri
Lanka) starting in Colombo in April 1981. These meetings set the groundwork for the
formation of SAARC.
 3. Agreement on Principles:

 In subsequent meetings, the countries discussed and agreed on the basic principles of
the organization, including the need for regional cooperation and the areas of
cooperation such as agriculture, rural development, telecommunications, meteorology,
health and population activities, transport, postal services, and scientific and
technological cooperation.

4. Adoption of Charter:

 The formal foundation of SAARC took place during the first SAARC Summit held in
Dhaka, Bangladesh, from December 7-8, 1985. The leaders of the seven founding
countries adopted the SAARC Charter, thereby officially establishing the organization.

Founding Member States

The founding members of SAARC are:

1. Bangladesh

2. Bhutan

3. India

4. Maldives

5. Nepal

6. Pakistan

7. Sri Lanka

Afghanistan joined SAARC as its eighth member in 2007.

SAARC Observers:
1. Australia
2. China
3. European Union
4. Iran
5. Japan
6. Mauritius
7. Myanmar
8. South Korea
9. United States

SAARC has been instrumental in promoting economic development and regional integration in
South Asia. Despite facing several challenges, SAARC continues to play an important role in promoting
regional cooperation and addressing common issues in the region.
Organizational Structure of SAARC
SAARC's organizational structure is designed to facilitate cooperation and coordination among its
member states. The key components of the structure are as follows:

1. SAARC Summit:

 The highest authority in SAARC, comprising the Heads of State or Government of the
member countries.

 Meets biennially to discuss and decide on key issues and policies.

 Provides overall direction and guidance to the organization.

2. Council of Ministers:

 Consists of the Foreign Ministers of the member countries.

 Meets twice a year and can convene more frequently if needed.

 Responsible for formulating policies, reviewing progress, and deciding on new areas of
cooperation.

 Prepares the agenda for the SAARC Summit.

3. Standing Committee:

 Composed of the Foreign Secretaries of the member countries.

 Meets as necessary to monitor and coordinate SAARC programs and activities.

 Makes recommendations to the Council of Ministers.

4. Programming Committee:

 Consists of senior officials from member countries.

 Focuses on budgetary and administrative matters.

 Reviews and makes recommendations on project proposals and budgets.

5. Technical Committees:

 Several Technical Committees focus on specific areas such as agriculture, health,

education, environment, and more.

 Composed of experts from member countries.

 Responsible for implementing and monitoring regional programs in their respective

fields.

6. Action Committees:

 Established on an ad-hoc basis to deal with specific issues or projects.

  Composed of representatives from the member countries most concerned with the
specific issue.

7. SAARC Secretariat:

 Located in Kathmandu, Nepal.

 Headed by the Secretary-General, who is appointed by the Council of Ministers for a

three-year term, on a rotational basis among member countries.

 The Secretariat coordinates and monitors the implementation of SAARC activities and
serves as a communication link between SAARC and other international organizations.

 Includes the Secretary-General, Directors, and professional and administrative staff.

8. Regional Centers:

 Specialized institutions located in various member countries focusing on specific areas

of cooperation.

 Examples include the SAARC Agriculture Centre (SAC) in Bangladesh, the SAARC Energy
Centre (SEC) in Pakistan, and the SAARC Disaster Management Centre (SDMC) in India.

Purposes of SAARC
The SAARC Charter outlines several key purposes for the organization:

1. Promote the Welfare of the People:

 Improve the quality of life and well-being of the people in the South Asian region.

2. Accelerate Economic Growth and Development:

 Foster economic growth, social progress, and cultural development through collective
efforts.

3. Strengthen Collective Self-Reliance:

 Promote self-reliance among member countries by pooling resources and sharing

expertise.

4. Enhance Mutual Trust and Understanding:

 Build mutual trust, understanding, and appreciation among the member states.

5. Promote Active Collaboration and Mutual Assistance:

 Foster collaboration and mutual assistance in economic, social, cultural, technical, and
scientific fields.

 Implement joint projects and initiatives that benefit all member countries.
 6. Strengthen Cooperation with Other Developing Countries:

 Engage with other developing countries to share experiences, knowledge, and best
practices.

 Work together on issues of common interest on international platforms.

7. Cooperate in International Forums:

 Act as a unified bloc in international forums to represent the interests of the South
Asian region.

 Coordinate policies and positions on global issues that affect the region.

8. Cooperate with International and Regional Organizations:

 Establish partnerships and cooperation with international and regional organizations

that have similar aims and purposes.

 Leverage external expertise, funding, and resources to support regional initiatives.

SAARC was founded with the vision of fostering regional cooperation and development in South
Asia. Its organizational structure is designed to facilitate collaboration among member states across
various sectors, with a focus on promoting economic growth, social progress, and cultural development.
The purposes of SAARC, as outlined in its Charter, emphasize the importance of mutual assistance,
collective self-reliance, and active collaboration to enhance the welfare of the people in the region.
Despite facing challenges such as political tensions and economic disparities, SAARC continues to strive
towards achieving its objectives and fostering a more integrated and prosperous South Asia.

Achievements and Failures of SAARC:

Achievements of SAARC:

1. Institutional Framework and Regular Dialogue:

 SAARC Summits and Meetings: SAARC has institutionalized regular summits and
ministerial meetings, providing a platform for dialogue and cooperation among South
Asian leaders. This has helped maintain a framework for addressing regional issues
despite political tensions.

 SAARC Secretariat: The establishment of the SAARC Secretariat in Kathmandu, Nepal,

has facilitated the coordination of activities and communication among member states.

2. Trade and Economic Cooperation:

 South Asian Free Trade Area (SAFTA): Implemented in 2006, SAFTA aims to reduce
trade barriers and promote intra-regional trade. Although not fully realized, it has set
the stage for future economic integration.
  SAARC Development Fund (SDF): The SDF supports regional projects in areas such as
poverty alleviation, infrastructure development, and social welfare, contributing to
regional development.

3. Sectoral Cooperation and Regional Centers:

 Technical and Regional Centers: Establishment of specialized centers like the SAARC
Agriculture Centre (SAC) in Bangladesh, the SAARC Energy Centre (SEC) in Pakistan, and
the SAARC Disaster Management Centre (SDMC) in India. These centers focus on specific
areas of cooperation and enhance regional expertise and collaboration.

 Disaster Management: Collaborative efforts in disaster preparedness and response

have been strengthened through initiatives like the SAARC Disaster Management Centre
(SDMC).

4. Educational and Cultural Initiatives:

 South Asian University (SAU): Located in New Delhi, India, the SAU aims to promote
regional understanding and excellence in higher education.

 Cultural Exchange Programs: Various initiatives have promoted cultural ties and
understanding among the peoples of South Asia.

5. Social Development Programs:

 Health and Education: SAARC has initiated collaborative efforts to address health issues
(e.g., combating infectious diseases) and to promote education, literacy, and women's
empowerment in the region.

Failures and Challenges of SAARC:

1. Political Tensions and Conflicts:

 India-Pakistan Relations: The persistent political and military tensions between India
and Pakistan have significantly hindered SAARC’s effectiveness. These bilateral issues
often dominate and disrupt regional cooperation.

 Trust Deficit: Political disagreements and lack of trust among member states frequently
stall initiatives and prevent cohesive action.

2. Economic Disparities:

 Unequal Development: Significant economic and development disparities among

member states create challenges in implementing uniform policies and initiatives.

 Low Intra-Regional Trade: Despite SAFTA, intra-regional trade remains low compared to
other regions like ASEAN and the EU, due to non-tariff barriers, infrastructural
bottlenecks, and limited economic complementarities.

3. Implementation Issues:
  Poor Implementation of Agreements: Many SAARC agreements and declarations face
challenges in implementation due to a lack of political will, resources, and administrative
capacity.

 Bureaucratic Hurdles: Excessive bureaucracy and lack of streamlined processes hinder

the effective execution of SAARC initiatives.

4. Limited Impact on Social Issues:

 Poverty Alleviation: While efforts have been made to address poverty and social issues,
the impact has been limited, and significant challenges remain in improving the socio-
economic conditions of the region’s population.

5. Insufficient Regional Integration:

 Connectivity Issues: Poor infrastructure and connectivity within the region impede the
free flow of goods, services, and people.

 Visa Restrictions: Restrictive visa regimes among member countries limit people-to-
people contact and economic integration.

6. External Influences:

 Geopolitical Shifts: Changing geopolitical dynamics, including the influence of external

powers like China and the United States, can affect regional cohesion and SAARC’s
strategic direction.

 Global Economic Conditions: Fluctuations in the global economy can impact the South
Asian region, affecting trade, investment, and economic stability.

SAARC has made some notable achievements in fostering regional dialogue, establishing
frameworks for cooperation, and initiating collaborative projects in various sectors. However, its
effectiveness has been significantly constrained by political tensions, particularly between India and
Pakistan, economic disparities among member states, and implementation challenges. For SAARC to
realize its full potential, member states need to build stronger political will, enhance institutional
capacities, and foster a culture of trust and cooperation. Addressing these challenges is crucial for
SAARC to become a more effective platform for regional integration and development, benefiting all its
member countries.

Future prospects and challenges of SAARC:

Future Prospects of SAARC

1. Enhanced Economic Integration:

 Revitalizing SAFTA: Full implementation of the South Asian Free Trade Area (SAFTA)
could significantly boost intra-regional trade. Efforts to simplify trade regulations,
 reduce non-tariff barriers, and improve infrastructure could drive economic growth and
integration.

 Regional Connectivity Projects: Investing in regional infrastructure projects such as

transportation corridors, energy grids, and digital networks can enhance connectivity,
facilitating smoother trade and investment flows.

2. Collaborative Development Programs:

 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): Aligning regional development initiatives with

the UN’s SDGs can address poverty, education, healthcare, and environmental
sustainability in a comprehensive manner.

 Climate Change and Disaster Management: Given the region’s vulnerability to climate
change, cooperative efforts in disaster management, climate resilience, and sustainable
environmental practices will be crucial.

3. Social and Cultural Cooperation:

 Educational and Cultural Exchange: Expanding programs like the South Asian University
and promoting cultural exchanges can foster greater regional understanding and
cooperation.

 Tourism Promotion: A regional approach to tourism can leverage South Asia’s rich
cultural and natural heritage, benefiting all member countries economically and socially.

4. Strengthening Institutional Mechanisms:

 Reforming SAARC Structure: Streamlining decision-making processes and enhancing the

capacities of SAARC’s secretariat and various institutions can improve efficiency and the
implementation of regional initiatives.

 Enhanced Collaboration with Other Regional Organizations: Building stronger

partnerships with organizations like ASEAN and the African Union can provide valuable
insights and frameworks for improving regional cooperation.

Challenges Facing SAARC

1. Political Tensions:

 India-Pakistan Rivalry: The longstanding political and military tensions between India
and Pakistan remain the biggest impediment to SAARC’s effectiveness. Resolving these
issues or compartmentalizing bilateral conflicts from regional cooperation is crucial.

 Trust Deficit: A general lack of trust among some member states hampers collaborative
efforts and the implementation of agreements.

2. Economic Disparities:
  Development Gaps: Significant economic disparities among member states make it
challenging to devise policies that are equally beneficial for all.

 Resource Constraints: Limited financial and technical resources among some member
states can impede the execution of regional projects and initiatives.

3. Implementation Issues:

 Weak Institutional Capacity: The effectiveness of SAARC is often undermined by the

weak capacity of its institutions and bureaucratic inefficiencies.

 Inconsistent Policy Implementation: Agreements reached at the regional level often

face challenges in implementation due to varying national priorities and administrative
hurdles.

4. External Influences:

 Geopolitical Shifts: Changing geopolitical dynamics, including the influence of external

powers like China and the United States, can affect regional cohesion and SAARC’s
strategic direction.

 Global Economic Conditions: Fluctuations in the global economy can impact the South
Asian region, affecting trade, investment, and economic stability.

5. Insufficient Regional Integration:

 Connectivity Issues: Poor infrastructure and connectivity within the region impede the
free flow of goods, services, and people.

 Visa Restrictions: Restrictive visa regimes among member countries limit people-to-
people contact and economic integration.

Conclusion:

The future of SAARC depends on its ability to address longstanding challenges and leverage
opportunities for deeper integration. Enhancing economic cooperation, investing in regional
connectivity projects, aligning with sustainable development goals, and strengthening institutional
mechanisms are crucial steps. However, political tensions, trust deficits, economic disparities, and
external geopolitical influences remain significant obstacles.

For SAARC to realize its full potential, member states must build stronger political will, enhance
institutional capacities, and foster a culture of trust and collaboration. Addressing these challenges will
be essential for SAARC to become a more effective platform for regional cooperation and development,
ultimately benefiting all its member countries.

The End