SAARC

INTRODUCTION

SAARC is an economic and political organization.

SAARC was established on December 8, 1985.

In terms of population - almost 1.5 billion people.

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.

In April 2007, at the Association's 14th summit, Afghanistan became its eighth member.

Objectives

To promote the welfare of the people To accelerate economic growth, social progress and cultural development To promote and strengthen collective self-reliance To contribute to mutual trust, understand and appreciation of one another's problem; To promote active collaboration and mutual assistance To strengthen cooperation with other developing countries; To strengthen cooperation among themselves To cooperate with international and regional organisations with similar aims and purposes.

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.

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

Observer Status

In April 2006, the United States of America and South Korea made formal requests to be granted observer status. The European Union also indicated interest in being given observer status, and made a formal request for the same to the SAARC Council of Ministers meeting in July 2006. On August 2, 2006 the foreign ministers of the SAARC countries agreed in principle to grant observer status to the US, South Korea and the European Union

European Union (EU) and SAARC

In 1999, EU and SAARC agree to cooperate on improving market access for SAARC products into EU. The EU has observer in SAARC since 2006. EU is convinced that SAARC could play a useful role in regional co-operation and dialogue.

FUTURE MEMBERSHIP

The People's Republic of China The Islamic Republic of Iran The Russian Federation Union of Myanmar The Republic of South Africa

PRINCIPLES GOVERNING SAARC

Co-operation for mutual benefits Respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity, political equality and independence of all member states

No-interference in the internal matters

1/3rd of the all eight member should agree among any decision taken collectively. All bilateral issues to be kept aside and multilateral issue to be discussed without any prejudice.

Programme of Action

Poverty Eradication Suppression of Terrorism

Trade and Economic Co-operation