SAARC :
South Asian Association for Regional Co-operation. It is a regional organization of India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Maldives and Afghanistan which was founded to increase mutual cooperation. It was founded in December 1985. In the foundation of SAARC, the then Bangladesh President Zia-urRehaman played a leading role. In beginning, there were seven members in it. In 2007, Afghanistan became its 8th member. Its permanent headquarter is in Kathmandu. SAARC is a big step taken in the direction to cooperate with each other in multiple fields. With the foundation of SAARC, the process of regional cooperation started in south Asia, and member countries decided on mutual cooperation in various spheres.
SAARC contribution in establishing peace and cooperation in South Asia:
SAARC contribution is given below :
1. SAARC has brought its 8 members closer to each other and the tension has been reduced. With SAARC cooperation, the tension between India and Pakistan reduced and both countries agreed to reduce the risk of war and to resume talks.
2. Due to SAARC, meetings are organised at regular interval among the member countries of this organisation, where through big and small disputes are being solved and unity is being developed.
3. Through SAARC, the countries of this area emphasize their economic and social development and the influence of foreign powers has been reduced in this region. Now these countries feel more independent.
4. SAARC established a consolidated foodgrain store, which is the indicator of the feeling of independence.
5. The member countries of the SAARC in 2004 signed on South Asian Free Trade Area (SAFTA). There is a promise of free trade among all countries of south Asia. If all the countries of South East Asia agree to free trade across the border then a new chapter of peace and cooperation can start. This agreement became effective on January 1, 2006. Under this agreement among the SAARC countries the tax which was levied on import, was expected to be reduced by upto 20% by 2007.
6. Through SAARC cooperation, effective from January 1, 2006, all south Asian countries along with India benefited by SAFTA, and by increasing free trade in the area, co-operation has increased in political matters also.
7. SAARC has done effective work in agriculture, health, and in basic area like environment.
