The document discusses the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), an intergovernmental organization of 8 South Asian nations. It was established in 1985 to promote economic and social progress in South Asia. SAARC focuses on areas like agriculture, trade, tourism, and more. Notable agreements include establishing the South Asian Free Trade Area to reduce customs duties between members and promoting regional cooperation in trade, finance, and economic matters. The organization aims to accelerate economic growth across South Asia.

4. South Asian Association for
Regional Cooperation

5.  SAARC is an eco-political organization of 8 South Asian
nations, which was established on 8 December 1985 for
friendship and cooperation among themselves and with other
developing countries.
 Covering a population of more than 2 billion, SAARC is the
largest regional organization in the world.

6. 1. Afghanistan ( joined the organization
in 2007)
2. Bangladesh
3. Bhutan
4. India
5. Maldives
6. Nepal
7. Pakistan
8. Sri Lanka

7. 1. Central Location of Asia.
2. Common features of Indian Subcontinent.
3. All Countries gained independence after second
world war.
4. All countries have some cultural background &
History.
5. All countries from part of the third world.
6. The region is poor & over populated.
7. Predominance of agriculture.
8. Dependence of the economy on southwest
monsoon.

8.  ID:142-11-3980

10.  Agriculture & Biotechnology
 Trade & Finance
 Education
 Information , Communication & Media
 Science & Technology
 Energy & Environment
 Tourism & Social Development
 Culture
 People-to-People Contacts

11.  The acceleration of economic growth is a Charter objective of
SAARC. Corporation in core areas of trade and finance b/w the
SAARC members in 1991.
The following important processes of SAARC are
promoting cooperation in the field of Trade,
Economy and Finance
 Customs Cooperation
 South Asian Free Trade Area (SAFTA) (Custom Duties down to
20%)
 SAARC Preferential Trading Arrangement (SAPTA)

12.  Agreement for establishment of SAARC Arbitration Council
 Final Agreement on Avoidance of Double Taxation
 Final Agreement on Customs Matters
 CHARTER OF SDF 31 July 2008
 Agreement on establishing the SAARC food bank
 Agreement on south Asian Free Trade Area (SAFTA)
 Agreement on the Establishment of South Asian Regional
Standards Organization (SARSO)
 Agreement on Avoidance of Double Taxation

13.  ID: 142-11-3962

14.  SAPTA(SAARC preferential trading arrangement)was
signed on 7 December, 1995
 SAFTA(South Asian Free Trade Area) was signed in
Islamabad in January 2004
 SAARC chamber of commerce and industry (SCCI)
 SAARC constitutes South Asian Development
Fund(SADF)
 Signed an agreement of mutual assistance.
 Avoidance of double taxation were signed.

15. BIMSTEC- Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral
Technical and Economic Cooperation includes 7
Countries

16. Roles and Functions of
Lead Country
The Chair Country will chair and coordinate the
work of the Expert Group, and perform
secretarial functions if the Expert Group in such
a way as to ensure the satisfactory and
successful implementation of the projects and to
monitor the progress of the work.
The Expert Group will coordinate, monitor and
review progress in projects being implemented
and will report on the same to the Committee.

17.  ID:142-11-3063

18. Led by Bangladesh
 To increase economic cooperation among member
countries
 To contribute to expansion of trade and investment
flows in the region
 divided into two categories (Goods and Services ,
Trade and Service facilitation )

19. Led by Srilanka
 BIMSTEC Agreed Statement on Cooperation in
Technology Sector was reached at the 1st Meeting
 2nd Meeting discussed the agro-based technology
and ICT as appeared in the “Colombo Joint
Declaration”

20. Led by Myanmar
 Development of New and Renewable Sources
 Small Hydro Project
 Rice Husk Co-generation
 Standard and Testing

21. Led by India
 Transportation and Cross-border Facilitation
 Multimodal Transport and Logistics
 Infrastructure Development
 Aviation, Maritime Transport, HRD, as well as
Communication Linkages and Networking.

22.  ID:142-11-3813

23. BD Major Imports in BIMSTEC
India
Bhutan major imports from INDIA
Bhutan major exports to BD and IND
Myanmar major Imports from Thailand
Myanmar major exports to IND and
Thailand
Nepal major imports from INDIA
Nepal major exports to INDIA
Sri Lanka major imports from INDIA
Sri Lanka major exports to INDIA
Trade top 5 routes Agriculture and Fisheries

24.  Region‐wide focus
 useful measures to draw up regional initiatives
 Poverty Alleviation Centre would be set up in Bang
ladesh
key role in carrying out research
guidance and policy for member countries
Poverty Plan of Action

25. Poverty level in Bangladesh
2010
2014
2021
40%
26%
Poverty
free