The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) is an economic and political organization consisting of 8 countries in Southern Asia established in 1985. It aims to accelerate economic and social development in member states. Key objectives include promoting welfare, economic growth, and collective self-reliance. The secretariat is located in Kathmandu and coordinates implementation of activities.

1. SOUTH ASIAN
ASSOCIATION FOR
REGIONAL COOPERATION
Presented By
Dheeraj.P

2. SAARC COUNTRIES

3. INTRODUCTION
 The South Asian Association for
Regional Cooperation (SAARC)
is an economic and political
organization of eight countries
in Southern Asia.
 It was established on December
8, 1985 by India, Pakistan,
Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal,
Maldives and Bhutan. In April
2007, at the Association's 14th
summit, Afghanistan became its
eighth member.

4. CONTD…..
 Sheelkant Sharma is the current
secretary & Mahinda Rajapaksa
is the current chairman of
SAARC which is headquartered
at Kathmandu.
 It aims to accelerate the process
of economic and social
development in Member States.
 SAARC provides a platform for
the peoples of South Asia to
work together in the spirit
understanding.

5. OBJECTIVES
 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 potential;
 To promote and strengthen
collective self-reliance among
the countries of South Asia;

6.  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
interest; and
 To cooperate with international
and regional organizations with
similar aims and purposes.

7. SECRETARIAT
 The SAARC Secretariat was established in Kathmandu
on 16 January 1987 and was inaugurated by Late King
Birendra Bir Bikram Shah of Nepal
 It is headed by a Secretary General
 The Secretariat coordinates and monitors implementation
of activities, prepares for and services meetings, and
serves as a channel of communication between the
Association and its Member States as well as other
regional organizations
 The SAARC Secretariat and Member States
observe 8 December as the SAARC Charter Day.

8. LIST OF SAARC SUMMITS
 First SAARC Summit, Dhaka, 1985
 Second SAARC Summit, Bangalore, 1986
 Third SAARC Summit, Kathmandu, 1987
 Fourth Summit, Islambad, 1988
 Fifth SAARC Summit, Male', 1990
 Sixth SAARC Summit, Colombo, 1991
 Seventh SAARC Summit. Dhaka, 1993
 Eighth SAARC Summit, New Delhi 1995
 Ninth SAARC Summit, Male', 1997
 Tenth SAARC Summit, Colombo, 1998
 Eleventh SAARC Summit, Kathmandu, 2002
 Twelfth SAARC Summit, Islamabad, 2004
 Thirteenth SAARC Summit, Dhaka, 2005
 Fourteenth SAARC Summit, New Delhi, 2007
 Fifteenth SAARC Summit, Colombo, 2008
 Sixteenth SAARC Summit, Thimphu, 2010
 Seventeenth SAARC Summit, Addu City, 2011

9. IPA
(INTEGRATED PROGRAMME OF ACTION)
The Declaration on South Asian Regional Cooperation was adopted by
the Foreign Ministers in 1983 in New Delhi. During the meeting, the
Ministers also launched the Integrated Programme of Action (IPA) in nine
agreed areas namely:-
 Agriculture
 Rural Development
 Telecommunications
 Meteorology
 Health and Population Activities
 Transport
 Postal Services
 Science and Technology
 Sports, Arts and Culture

10. SEVENTEENTH SAARC SUMMIT,
ADDU CITY, 2011

11.  1. To direct the SAFTA Ministerial Council to intensify efforts to fully and
effectively implement SAFTA and the work on reduction in Sensitive Lists as
well as early resolution of non-tariff barriers and expediting the process of
harmonizing standards and customs procedures.
 2. To direct the SAARC Finance Ministers to chart a proposal that would allow
for greater flow of financial capital and intra-regional long-term investment.
 3. To hold the Twelfth SAARC Trade Fair along with SAARC Travel and
Tourism Fair in Kulhudhuffushi, Maldives in 2012.

12.  To direct the Secretary General to ensure completion
of the preparatory work on the Indian Ocean Cargo
and Passenger Ferry Service, including the
Feasibility Study, by the end of 2011, in order to
launch the Service.
 6. To direct the conclusion of the Inter-governmental
Framework Agreement for Energy Cooperation and
the Study on the Regional Power Exchange Concept
as also the work related to SAARC Market for
Electricity.
 7. To make available an appropriate percentage of
national income towards the respective countries’
renewable energy investments, subject to the
approval of national arrangements.

13.  For the first time in its history, the
declaration specifically mentions
terrorism.
 SAARC foreign ministers signed
agreements on charter of the US $
307 million SAARC
Development Fund, the South
Asian Regional Standards
Organization, Convention on
Mutual Legal Assistance on
Criminal Matters (including
terrorism), and taking
Afghanistan into SAFTA.

14. DESIGNATED SAARC YEARS
 1989 SAARC Year of Combating Drug Abuse and Drug Trafficking
 1990 SAARC Year of Girl Child
 1991 SAARC Year of Shelter
 1992 SAARC Year of Environment
 1993 SAARC Year of Disabled Persons
 1994 SAARC Year of the Youth
 1995 SAARC Year of Poverty Eradication
 1996 SAARC Year of Literacy
 1997 SAARC Year of Participatory Governance
 1999 SAARC Year of Biodiversity
 2002-2003 SAARC Year of Contribution of Youth to Environment
 2004 SAARC Awareness Year for TB and HIV/AIDS
 2006 South Asia Tourism Year

15. SAARC DECADES
 1991-2000 SAARC Decade of the Girl Child.
 2001-2010 SAARC Decade of the Rights of the Child.