SAARC

(The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation)

SAARC COUNTRIES
Afghanistan

Bangladesh
Bhutan India Maldives Nepal Pakistan Sri lanka

WHAT IS SAARC?
The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) is an organization of South Asian nations, founded in December 1985 and dedicated to economic, technological, social, and cultural development emphasizing collective self-reliance. Its seven founding members are Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, the Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. Afghanistan joined the organization in 2005. Meetings of heads of state are usually scheduled annually; meetings of foreign secretaries, twice annually. It is headquartered in Kathmandu, Nepal.

WHY WAS SAARC FORMED?

OBJECTIVES
To promote the welfare of the people of South Asia and improve their quality of life. To accelerate economic growth, social progress and cultural development in the region and to provide all individuals the opportunity to live in dignity and to realise their full potential. To promote and strengthen collective self-reliance among the countries of South Asia. To contribute to mutual trust, understanding and co-operating to one anothers problems.

OBJECTIVES (contd)
To strengthen relationship with other developing countries. To strengthen cooperation among themselves in international forums on matters of common interest.

To cooperate with international and regional organizations with similar aims and purposes.
To promote active collaboration and mutual assistance in the economic, social, cultural, technical and scientific fields.

FUNCTIONAL COOPERATION
SAARC Audio-Visual Exchange(SAVE) Programme. SAARC Documentation Centre (DSC). SAARC Scheme of Organised Tourism. SAARC Chairs, Fellowships and Scholarships Scheme. SAARC Youth Volunteers Programme (SYVOP).

FUTURE MEMBERSHIPS
During the 14th summit, Nepal along with Pakistan and Bangladesh, announced their support for the membership of China. China seeks greater involvement in SAARC, however, finds it too early to apply for full membership. Indonesia intends to become an observer as well, and is supported by Sri Lanka. Iran, a state with borders to two SAARC members, has traditionally enjoyed strong cultural, economic and political relationships with Afghanistan and Pakistan and has expressed its desire to become a member of the South Asian organization. Russia intends to become an observer as well, and is supported by India. Myanmar has expressed an interest in joining as a full member, even though it is already a member of the ASEAN. If done so, Myanmar will become the ninth member in the group.

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