Question

Answer the following question in detail with the help of the given points:

Write the information about the South Asian Association for Regional Co-operation (SAARC):

1. Establishment and objectives
2. Challenges for SAARC to tackle
3. Success of SAARC

Answer 1

1. 1. Establishment of SAARC:
      • Zia-ur-Rehman, the then President of Bangladesh, proposed the idea of forming an organisation dedicated to the economic and social progress of Asian nations.
      • In 1981, the first of four meetings involving the foreign secretaries of Bangladesh, India, Bhutan, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, the Maldives, and Nepal took place in Colombo. These discussions focused on regional cooperation in areas like development, health, trade, and population-related matters.
      • In 1983, foreign ministers from these countries released the SAARC Declaration in Delhi. Two years later, in 1985, the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) was officially established at a summit held in Dhaka.
   2. Objectives of SAARC:
      • We are committed to working together to achieve rapid and comprehensive progress for all member nations.
      • We must stand united against terrorism and the trafficking of narcotic drugs.
      • The goal is to resolve disputes peacefully and build trust and mutual understanding among member countries.
      • We aim to cooperate with regional, national, and international organisations that have similar goals.
      • To contribute to the collective welfare of the global community through coordinated efforts.
2. Challenges for SAARC to tackle:
   • Economic disparities among member nations.
   • Budget allocation for defence and growing terrorism.
   • Inadequate infrastructure.
   • Underdevelopment in the agriculture sector.
   • Different political systems.
   • Population growth and religious/linguistic diversity.
3. Success of SAARC:
   • SAARC has performed positively in certain fields. For example, a centre for the dissemination of agro-related information was established in Bangladesh, and it has also served as a platform for research on seeds, animal husbandry, and fisheries.
   • A ‘SAARC’ centre for meteorological research was established in Dhaka. An orthopaedic centre was established in Kathmandu.
   • Efforts are being made to promote tourism in SAARC countries.
   • SAARC is also working to eliminate poverty in the countries in South Asia with the help of the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP).
   • An inter-governmental group was established to formulate an agreement (SAFTA – South Asian Free Trade Area) for promoting free trade and economic cooperation among the SAARC nations.
   • The SAARC Documentation Centre was established in Delhi for the dissemination of information.
   • The SAARC Human Resources Development Centre was established in Islamabad, Pakistan.
   • Agreements were signed to counter the smuggling of narcotic drugs. Committees were appointed for development in the fields of postal services and transportation.