Concept and member countries

South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) is a regional

grouping of developing countries in the Asian region is trying to promote trade
within the region and trade with other developing countries, since the formation of
SAARC. It is an economic and political organization of eight countries in Southern
Asia. In terms of population it is the largest of any regional organization almost 1.5
billion people, which combined the population of its member states. It was
established on December 8, 1985 by India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka,
Nepal, Maldives and Bhutan and on April 3, 2007, The South Asian Association
for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) has opened its annual summit in New Delhi,
where, with Afghan President Hamid Karzai in attendance, Afghanistan became
its eighth member.

Objectives of SAARC according to the ARTICLE 1

 To promote the welfare of the peoples of SOUTH ASIA and to 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 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; and
  To cooperate with international and regional organizations with similar
aims and purposes.

PRINCIPLES

(1) Cooperation within the framework of the ASSOCIATION shall be based on

respect for the Principles of sovereign equality, territorial integrity, political
independence, non –interference in the internal affairs of other States and mutual
benefit.

(2) Such cooperation shall not be a substitute for bilateral and multilateral
cooperation but shall complement them.

(3) Such cooperation shall not be inconsistent with bilateral and multilateral
obligations.