SAARC Countries – An International Organization

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Introduction-

The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) was established on 8 December, 1985.

The very first proposal for establishing a framework for regional integration in South Asia was made by the late President of Bangladesh, Zia Ur Rahman, on May 2, 1980.

Members oF SAARC-

Presently there are eight member countries in SAARC- Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Afghanistan. Afganistan became the newest member of SAARC at the 13th annual summit in 2005.

It also has nine observer countries, namely China, EU, Iran, Republic of Korea, Australia, Japan, Mauritius, Myanmar, and USA.

Secretariat-

The SAARC headquarters and Secretariat are at Kathmandu, Nepal. The Secretariat comprises the secretary-general, seven directors, and the general services staff. The secretary-general is appointed by the Council of Ministers on the principle of rotation, for a non-renewal tenure of 3 years.

Principles-

Cooperation within the framework of the SAARC shall be based on principles of sovereign equality, territorial integrity, political independence, non-interference in the internal affairs of other states, and mutual benefit.

Its role is to coordinate and monitor the implementation of SAARC activities, serving the meetings of the association and serve as a channel of communication between SAARC and other International organizations.

SAARC Specialized Bodies-

• SAARC Development Fund (SDF)-

Its primary objective is funding of project based collaboration in social sectors such as poverty alleviation, development, accelerate economic growth, etc.

• South Asian University (SAU)-

SAU is an International University, provides an education hub for the students of member countries. It is located in New Delhi, India. Degrees and Certificates awarded by the SAU are equivalent to the Degrees and Certificates awarded by the National Universities or Institutions.

• South Asian Regional Standards Organization (SARSO)-

South Asian Regional Standards Organization has its Secretariat in Dhaka, Bangladesh. It was established to enhance and achieve coordination and cooperation among SAARC member states in the fields of intra-regional trade.

• SAARC Arbitration Council-

It is an intergovernmental body having its office in Pakistan. It provides a legal forum to settle the disputes among member nations.

SAARC Achievements-

• Free Trade Area (FTA)-

The member countries have established a Free Trade Area (FTA) which will increase their internal trade and lessen the trade gap.

• SAPTA (South Asia Preferential Trading Agreement)-

SAPTA is established for promoting trade amongst the member countries which came into effect in 1995.

• SAFTA (A Free Trade Agreement)-

SAFTA includes only goods but excluding all services like information technology. The agreement was signed to reduce customs duties of all trade goods by the year 2016. SAFTA signatory countries are Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Afghanistan.

• SAARC University-

 A SAARC University is established in India and also an energy reserve in Pakistan.

Why SAARC is losing its shine?

• Lack of trust in Indo-Pak relations is the major cause of the deterioration in its shine. After the deadly attack on the Indian security forces at Uri in 2016, India refused to engage with the SAARC.
• Dispute between Pakistan and Afganistan over the Durand Line is also a reason.
• For India, Pakistan’s use of terror as an instrument has made normal business impossible.
• Bilateral issues can’t be discussed in SAARC. This is also a cause of concern.
• Limitations in SAFTA is also not very satisfactory because it is confined to goods only, excluding all services.
• Low frequency of meetings is also a major concern etc.

Revival of SAARC-

COVID-19 Emergency Fund was established by SAARC countries. In order to combat COVID-19 in the region, Prime Minister of India proposed a creation of a COVID-19 Emergency Fund based on voluntary contribution from all the member countries. The Fund can be used by any of the partner countries to meet the cost of the loss occured during  Corona pandemic.

Way Forward-

SAARC as an organization reflects the South Asian identity of the countries, historically and geographically. The potential of organisation to maintain peace and stability in the region should be explored by all the member countries. Thus SAARC should be allowed to progress naturally and the people of South Asia, who make up a quarter of the world’s population should be offered more people-to-people contact.

 

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