What are the achivements of SAARC?
– SAARC has attained a structured. institutional shape. We have, to some extent, closed the critical information and communication gaps separating us. People to people contact has grown and produced a real sense of South Asian identity. ·- More substantively, our cooperation through the Integrated Programme of Action (IPA) has created a web of interaction in new and imaginative ways. – Instruments such as Independent Commissions, Task Forces and Groups of Eminent Persons have proved useful, cost‑efficient ways to concentrate on key issues of importance to SAARC. Pioneering studies have been carried out on poverty alleviation, disaster management, environment, trade, manufactures and services. ·- SAARC leaders have devised mechanisms such as annual meetings of Finance, Planning and Commerce Ministers in order to engage in dialogues on macro‑economic policies and to share experiences and ideas. ·- SAARC has moved considerably forward in stigning various Conventions, Treaties and Agreemen
In the late 1970s, Bangladesh’s president Ziaur Rahman proposed the creation of a trade bloc consisting of South Asian countries. The Bangladeshi proposal was accepted by India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka during a meeting held in Colombo in 1981. In August 1983, the leaders adopted the Declaration on South Asian Regional Cooperation during a summit which was held in New Delhi. The seven South Asian countries, which also included Nepal, Maldives and Bhutan, agreed on five areas of cooperation: Agriculture and Rural Development Telecommunications, Science, Technology and Meteorology Health and Population Activities Transport Human Resource Development Afghanistan was added to the regional grouping at the behest of India on November 13, 2005,[1] and became a member on April 3, 2007.[2] With the addition of Afghanistan, the total number of member states were raised to eight (8). In April 2006, the United States of America and South Korea made formal requests to be granted observer status. The
