Evaluate the role of SAARC in facilitating the economic cooperation in the South Asian region.

Evaluate the role of SAARC in facilitating the economic
cooperation in the South Asian region.

Ans.5.
(a) The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC)
is a major regional initiative by the South Asian States to evolve
cooperation through multilateral means. It began in 1985 SAARC members signed the South Asian Free Trade Agreement (SAFTA) in 2004 which promised the formation of a free trade zone for the whole of South Asia.
(b) A new chapter of peace and cooperation might evolve in South
Asia if all the countries in the region allow free trade across the borders.