1

A PROJECT REPORT

ON

SAARC

UNDER THE SUBJECT OF

ECONOMIC TRADE AND FINANCE

SUBMITTED BY

HITESH M VEKHANDE

M.COM SEM-1

Batch 2013-2014

UNDER THE GUIDANCE OF

PROF:VINAYAK CHOUDHARI

A report submitted in partial fulfilment of requirements of

Arts And Commerce Collage Wada (UMROTHE ROAD, PARLI NAKA, WADA, THANE 421303)

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DECLARAT I ON

I hereby declare that the project title SAARC submitted as a part of the study of Master Of Commerce (SEM-1) is my original work. has been done

under the guidance of Prof: Vinayak Choudhari.

The project has not formed the basis for the award of any other degree,

diploma, associate ship, fellowship or any other similar titles.

Date:

Place: ` (Hitesh .M. Vekhande) (M.COM SEM-1)

(Roll no:5036)

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Ce rtificate

This is to certify that the study presented by Mr. Hitesh .M. Vekhande. To the Arts And Commerce Collage Wada in part completion of M.Com(Sem-1)

under the title SAARC has been done under the guidance of Prof.Vinayak Choudhari.

The project is in nature of original work that has been submitted for any Diploma of Arts And Commerce Collage Wada.

‘

Signature Of The Guide Signature Of The Principle Signature Of Examiner

(Prof.Vinayak Choudhari) (Prin.N.K.Phadke.)

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Acknowledgement

I express my sincere thanks to my all M.COM faculty, for guiding me right form the

inception till the successful completion of the project. I sincerely acknowledge them for

extending their valuable guidance, support for literature PROF.VINAYAK CHOUDHARI,

critical reviews of project and the report and above all the moral support she had provided

to me with all stages of this project. This project has helped us to learn the intricacies of

restructuring and we are grateful to them for making this learning possible.

Last but not the least we would like to thank each and every one who has

Helped us in our learning process.

(Hitesh .M. Vekhande)

TABLE OF CONTENT

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Sr.no Particulars Page no.

1 INTRODUCTION 06

2 HISTORY 09

3 COUNCIL OF MINISTERS 10

4 OBJECTIVES 11

5 MISSION & VISION 12

6 PRINCIPLES 13

7 FUNCTIONS 14

8 GENESIS 15

9 INSTITUTIONAL STRUCTURE 16

10 TECHNICAL COMMITTEE 18

11 NETWORKING 28

12 SAARC DISASTER MANAGEMENT FRAMEWORK 29

13 FUTURE OF SAARC 30

14 SAARC AWARD 32

15 PREAMBLE TO THE SAARC CHARTER 34

16 PEOPLE TO PEOPLE CONTACTS 35

17 SAARC AGREEMENT ON TAX COOPERATION FINALISED

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18 CONCLUSION 40

19 BIBLIOGRAPHY 41

INTRODUCTION

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The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) is an organisation

of South Asian nations, which was established on 8 December 1985 when the government

of Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka formally adopted its

charter providing for the promotion of economic and social progress, cultural development

within the South Asia region and also for friendship and co-operation with other developing

countries. It is dedicated to economic, technological, social, and cultural development

emphasising collective self-reliance. Its seven founding members are Sri

Lanka, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. Afghanistan joined the

organisation in 2007. Meetings of heads of state are usually scheduled annually; meetings of

foreign secretaries, twice annually. It is headquartered in Kathmandu, Nepal.

The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) was established when

its Charter was formally adopted on December 8, 1985 by the Heads of State or Government of

Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

SAARC provides a platform for the peoples of South Asia to work together in a spirit of

friendship, trust and understanding. It aims to accelerate the process of economic and social

development in Member States.

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Current members

Afghanistan

Bangladesh

Bhutan

India

Maldives

Nepal

Pakistan

Sri Lanka

Observers

Australia

China

European Union

Japan

Iran

AREAS OF COOPERATION

At the inception of the Association, the Integrated Programme of Action (IPA) consisting of a

number of Technical Committees (TCs) was identified as the core areas of cooperation. Over the

period of years, the number of TCs were changed as per the requirement. The current areas of

cooperation under the reconstituted Regional Integrated Programme of Action which is

pursuethrough the Technical Committees cover:

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1. Agriculture and Rural Development;

2. Health and Population Activities;

3. Women, Youth and Children;

4. Environment and Forestry;

5. Science and Technology and Meteorology;

6. Human Resources Development; and

7. Transport.

Recently, high level Working Groups have also been established to strengthen

cooperation in the areas of Information and Communications Technology, Biotechnology,

Intellectual Property Rights, Tourism, and Energy.

Given the emphasis laid down at successive Summits on the need to expand the areas of

cooperation and strengthen the regional cooperation, a number of other areas have been included

in the SAARC agenda. Several Ministerial level meetings have taken place to give due emphasis

in various fields. The details of work programme under each agreed areas of cooperation can be

viewed by clicking the respective links.

EVOLUTION

The idea of regional cooperation in South Asia was first mooted in November 1980. After consultations, the Foreign Secretaries of the seven countries met for the first time in

Colombo, in April 1981. This was followed, a few months later, by the meeting of the Committee of the Whole, which identified five broad areas for regional cooperation. The Foreign Ministers, at their first meeting in New Delhi, in August 1983, formally launched the Integrated

Programme of Action (IPA) through the adoption of the Declaration on South Asian Regional Cooperation (SARC).

At the First Summit held in Dhaka on 7-8 December 1985, the Charter establishing the

South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) was adopted.

History

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The idea of regional cooperation in South Asia was first mooted in May 1980. The Foreign Secretaries of the seven countries met for the first time in Colombo in April 1981. The

Committee of the Whole, which met in Colombo in August 1981, identified five broad areas for regional cooperation. New areas of cooperation were added in the following years.

The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) was established when

its Charter was formally approved on 8 December 1985 by the Heads of State or Government of Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Afghanistan became a member of SAARC during the Fourteenth SAARC Summit held in Delhi, India in April 2007.

Until 2009 China, Japan, Republic of Korea, USA, Iran, Mauritius, Australia, Myanmar and the European Union have joined SAARC as Observers.

SAARC provides a platform for the peoples of South Asia to work together in a spirit of

friendship, trust and understanding. It aims to promote the welfare of the peoples of South Asia and to improve their quality of life through accelerated economic growth, social progress and

cultural development in the region. During the Fifteenth Summit, the Heads of State or Government emphasized the importance of maintaining the momentum through clear links of continuity between the work already underway and future activities and recognized the need for

SAARC to further strengthen its focus on developing and implementing regional and sub-regional projects in the agreed areas on a priority basis. They also renewed their resolve for

collective regional efforts to accelerate economic growth, social progress and cultural development and emphasized on key issues like telecommunication, energy, climate change, transport, poverty alleviation, science and technology, trade, education, food security and

tourism.

Cooperation in SAARC is based on respect for the five principles of sovereign equality, territorial integrity, political independence, non-interference in internal affairs of the member

states and mutual benefit.

Regional cooperation is seen as a complement to the bilateral and multilateral relations of SAARC Member States.

Council of Ministers

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Council of Ministers consisting of the Foreign Ministers of the Member States established

with the following functions:

Formulation of the policies of the ASSOCIATION

Review of the progress of co-operation under the ASSOCIATION

Decision on new areas of co-operation

Establishment of additional mechanism under the ASSOCIATION as deemed necessary

Decision on other matters of general interest to the ASSOCIATION.

The Council of Ministers meets twice a year. Extraordinary session of the Council may be held by agreement among the Member States.

OBJECTIVES

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The objectives, principles and general provisions, as mentioned in the SAARC Charter, are as follows :

1. To promote the welfare of the peoples of South Asia and to improve their quality of life;

2. 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 realise their full potentials;

3. To promote and strengthen collective self-reliance among the countries of South Asia;

4. To contribute to mutual trust, understanding and appreciation of one another's problems;

5. To promote active collaboration and mutual assistance in the economic, social, cultural,

technical and scientific fields;

6. To strengthen cooperation with other developing countries;

7. To strengthen cooperation among themselves in international forums on matters of

common interests;and

8. To cooperate with international and regional organizations with similar aims and purposes.

MISSION & VISION

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The Vision, the Mission, the Function and the modalities for setting up the SAARC Disaster Management Centre were decided by an Expert Group of the SAARC countries which

met at New Delhi on 1-2 June 2006. The Report of the Expert Group was accepted by the SAARC Council of Ministers in its meeting held at Dhaka on 30-31 July 2006.

VISION

The SAARC Disaster Management Centre would be a vibrant centre of excellence for

knowledge, research and capacity building on disaster management.

MISSION

The SAARC Disaster Management Centre would serve the Member Countries by providing policy advice and facilitating capacity building services including strategic learning,

research, training, system development, expertise promotion and exchange of information for effective disaster risk reduction and management.

PRINCIPLES

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1. Cooperation within the framework of the Association is based on respect for the principles of sovereign equality, territorial integrity, political independence, non-

interference in the internal affairs of other states and mutual benefit.

2. Such cooperation is to complement and not to substitute bilateral or multilateral cooperation.

3. Such cooperation should be consistent with bilateral and multilateral obligations of the member states.

4. Decisions at all levels in SAARC are taken on the basis of unanimity.

5. Bilateral and contentious issues are excluded from its deliberations.

FUNCTIONS

The functions of the SAARC Disaster Management Centre are:

a. to collect, compile, document and disseminate data, information, case studies, indigenous

knowledge and good practices relating to disaster management particularly from the

Member Countries;

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b. to analyze information, undertake research and disseminate research findings on disaster

management among the Member Countries;

c. to develop educational materials and conduct academic and professional courses on disaster management;

d. to organize training and awareness programmes for various stakeholders on disaster management for the Member Countries;

e. to develop training modules on various aspects on disaster management and conduct

programmes of Training for Trainers including simulation exercises;

f. to provide assistance in the formulation of policies, strategies, disaster management

framework and any other assistance as may be required by the Member Countries or organizations and institutions nominated by the Member Countries;

g. to undertake, organize, facilitate and participate in workshops, conferences, seminars, lectures etc on various aspects of disaster management in the Member Countries;

h. to undertake publication of journals, research papers and books and establish and

maintain online resource centre in furtherance of the aforesaid objects;

i. to collaborate with other SAARC Centres, particularly SMRC, SCZMC and SAARC

Forestry Centre to achieve synergies in programmes and activities

GENESIS

South Asia is one of the most disaster prone regions of the world. Some parts of the eight

countries of this region - Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka - are hit every year by one or more disasters, taking heavy toll of life and property and

causing enormous suffering and distress to thousands of families. Hard earned gains of development made over years of efforts of the government and the people get eroded and scarce

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resources are diverted for relief, rehabilitation, recovery and reconstruction, which create further setbacks for development.

Most of the natural disasters in South Asia are rooted in the geo-physical and hydro-

climatic conditions of the sub-continent that connect several countries of the region. Almost all the major disasters transcend the boundaries of the affected country and simultaneously impact one or more neighbouring countries. The Pakistan earthquake of 2005 affected part of north

India just as the Bhuj earthquake of 2001 sent tremors as far as Karachi. Much of the recurrent floods in India and Bangladesh have their origin in Nepal. The cyclones of Bay of Bengal affect

the coastal regions of India and Bangladesh just as the cyclones on Arabian Sea hit the coasts of Gujarat in India and Sindh in Pakistan. Indian Ocean Tsunami of 2004 caused devastation simultaneously in India, Sri Lanka and Maldives.

Considering the regional dimensions of natural disasters the 3rd SAARC Summit had

commissioned a comprehensive Regional Study on the Causes and Consequences of Natural Disasters. A SAARC Meteorological Research Centre was established in Dhaka in 1995 and a SAARC Coastal Zone Management Centre was set up at Male in 2004. A Special Session of the

SAARC Environment Ministers in June 2005 adopted the Male Declaration, which called for formulation of a Comprehensive Framework of Disaster Management in South Asia.

The 13th SAARC Summit at Dhaka in November 2005 considered the issues of regional

cooperation for preparedness and mitigation of national disasters and approved the offer of India

to set up a SAARC Disaster Management Centre Management in New Delhi. The Centre was inaugurated on 10th October 2006 by Mr. Shiv Raj Patil, Home Minister of India.

The 15th SAARC Summit at Colombo in August 2008 entrusted to the SAARC Disaster

Management Center to develop a Natural Disaster Rapid Response Mechanism (NDRRM) for

coordination and planned approach to meet emergencies.

INSTITUTIONAL STRUCTURE

Summits

The highest authority of the Association rests with the Heads of State or Government. During the period 1985-95, eight meetings of the Heads of State or Government had been held in

Dhaka (1985), Bangalore (1986), Kathmandu (1987), Islamabad (1988), Mal� (1990), Colombo

(1991), Dhaka (1993), New Delhi (1995) and Male (1997) respectively. (see Summit Declaration of Male)

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Council of Ministers

Comprising the Foreign Ministers of member states is responsible for the formulation of

policies; reviewing progress; deciding on new areas of cooperation; establishing additional mechanisms as deemed necessary; and deciding on other matters of general interest to the Association. The Council meets twice a year and may also meet in extraordinary session by

agreement of member states. It has held fifteen sessions till November 1995.

Standing Committee

Comprising the Foreign Secretaries of member states is entrusted with the overall

monitoring and coordination of programmes and the modalities of financing; determining inter-sectoral priorities; mobilising regional and external resources; and identifying new areas of

cooperation based on appropriate studies. It may meet as often as deemed necessary but in practice it meets twice a year and submits its reports to the Council of Ministers. It has held twenty regular sessions and two special sessions till November 1995.

Programming Committee

Comprising the senior officials meets prior to the Standing Committee sessions to

scrutinize Secretariat Budget, finalise the Calendar of Activities and take up any other matter

assigned to it by the Standing Committee. This Committee has held fifteen sessions till November 1995.

Technical Committees

Comprising representatives of member states, formulate programmes and prepare projects in their respective fields. They are responsible for monitoring the implementation of

such activities and report to the Standing Committee. The chairmanship of each Technical Committee normally rotates among member countries in alphabetical order, every two years. At present, there are twelve Technical Committees. However, with the merger of the Technical

Committees on Environment and Meteorology, beginning from 1st January 1996, the number of Technical Committees will be eleven.

Action Committees

According to the SAARC Charter, there is a provision for Action Committees comprising member states concerned with implementation of projects involving more than two, but not all

member states. At present, there are no such Action Committees.

Other Meetings

During the first decade of SAARC, several other important meetings took place in

specific contexts. A number of SAARC Ministerial Meetings have been held, to focus attention

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on specific areas of common concern and has become an integral part of the consultative structure.So far Ministerial- level Meetings have been held on International Economic Issues:

-Islamabad (1986), Children - New Delhi (1986) & Colombo (1992), Women in Development

- Shillong (1986) & Islamabad (1990), Environment - New Delhi (1992), Women and Family Health - Kathmandu (1993), Disabled Persons

- Islamabad (1993), Youth - Male' (1994), Poverty - Dhaka (1994) and Women : Towards the Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing

- Dhaka (1995). So far, six Meetings of Planners have been held, one in 1983 and five annually from 1987

to 1991. These meetings initiated cooperation in important areas such as Trade, Manufacturers and Services; Basic Needs; Human Resource Development; Data base on socio-economic

indicators; Energy Modelling Techniques; Plan Modelling Techniques and Poverty Alleviation Strategies.

In addition, a high level Committee on Economic Cooperation (CEC) has been established in 1991, for identifying and implementing programmes in the core area of economic

and trade cooperation.

A three-tier mechanism was put in place in 1995, to follow-up on the relevant SAARC

decisions on Poverty Eradication. The tiers consist of Meeting of Secretaries in-Charge of Poverty Eradication, Meeting of Finance/Planning Secretaries, and Meeting of Finance/Planning

Ministers.

Technical committee

1. Agriculture (TC01)

Agriculture was among the original five areas identified for fostering regional cooperation. The first meeting of TC01 was held in 1983. Subsequently, Forestry was also

included in the work of the Technical Committee. TC01 was instrumental in the setting up of SAARC Agricultural Information Centre (SAIC) at Dhaka in 1988 - the first SAARC regional

institution.

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Member states have been exchanging Germplasm, Breeding Materials on Livestock and Fishery in accordance with the quarantine regulations in force in their respective countries.

Prototypes of Farmtools and Equipment have been exchanged for trial and adaptation. Activities for Improved Livestock through Exchange of Animals, Frozen Semen and Vaccine have also

been undertaken. The responsibility of compiling lists of institutions and disciplines capable of offering training in member countries has been entrusted to SAIC. Rice and Wheat-breeding Programmes for enhancing productivity have been conducted while Multilocation trials for

various crops are being undertaken.

Regular meetings of Counterpart Scientists is a very important feature of the Committee's programmes. The list of Counterpart Scientists in the twelve agreed areas of crops and

disciplines have been finalised for networking. These are : Rice (Millet); Wheat; Oilseeds; Horticulture (Potato) Vegetables and Fruits; Fisheries; Forestry; Transfer of Technology; Livestock (Animal Health and Production); Farm Machinery and Implements; Post Harvest

Technology; Agriculture Economics & Policies and Soils. Progress has been made towards establishing a network on Amelioration of Problem Soils.

The programme for the 1990s focuses on Genetic Engineering and Bio-Technology (for

crop and livestock improvement, agricultural and horticultural development, embryo transfer technology for livestock and conservation of endangered germplasm); Homestead Vegetable

Production; Food Availability and Nutritional Balance; Data Base on Technology and Training facilities in agricultural science within the SAARC countries; and meeting of the Expert Group on Crop Diseases. Two important project proposals namely

i) Promotion of the "Bio-Villages, and

(ii) Reaching the Million - Training of Farmers and Farm Women by 2000 A.D. have recently been completed and future course of action on these proposals is underway.

2. Communications (TC02)

TC on Telecommunications and TC on Postal Services both established in 1983 which had hitherto functioned separately were amalgamated into a single TC on Communications with effect from 1993.

With a view to bringing about an over-all improvement in the postal services in the

region, the work programme in this sector included training, seminars, workshops study tours etc.

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Training programmes were held for First and Middle Level Officers and for Trainers as well as in Philately, International Postal Services, International Mail Accounting and Routing,

Postal Management Services and Post Office Savings Banks. Seminars / Workshops were organized on Postal Operation and future challenges, Mechanization of Postal Operations,

Agency functions, Financial Services, Caring for Customer, Expedited Mail Service (EMS), Circulation System of EMS and Postal Marketing.

Study tours on Agency Services, Safety and Security of Postal Articles, Postal Services in Hilly or Rural Areas and New Mail and Financial Service in Pakistan were undertaken to gain first-

hand knowledge of problems and plans for improvement of postal services.

Since 1985, Letter Writing Competitions have been held annually. Studies had been undertaken on Productivity Measurement Techniques applied in postal operations, Postal Delays

in SAARC region, Integration of Postal Services with rural development and Concessional Mail Tariff and Mail Transmission. Other activities undertaken include issuance of commemorative

stamps, postage stamp displays and philatelic exhibitions.

Within the overall objective of providing telecommunication services to majority of the rural population by the year 2000, TC02 has focused on efforts to promote technological and human resource development and management. There has been substantial progress in

implementing the recommendations for the establishment of ISD, automatic telex, and bureaufax facilities, improvement of inter-country links, introduction of common collection charges and

media independent tariff, adoption of SDR as common accounting unit and off-peak period tariff.

Short-term activities in Telecommunications include Seminars/Workshops on Data Transmission, Digital Switching, Network Management, Operations, Software maintenance,

Trends in External Plants practice, Adoption of new technologies in rural telecommunication system, Transition from analogue to digital transmission, improvement of quality services in

telecommunications, IDR satellite technology and improvement of rural telecommunications.

Training courses have also been held on new technologies for maintenance of switching systems, software development, financial management, packet switch data network and NEAX 61.

3. Education, Culture and Sports (TC03)

TC on Education (established in 1989) and TC on Sports, Arts and Culture (established in

1983) were amalgamated into a single TC on Education and Culture with effect from 1993. TC03 was renamed in 1995 as TC on Education, Culture and Sports.

The priority themes identified for cooperation in the field of Education are Women and

Education; Universal Primary Education; Literacy, Post Literacy and Continuing Education; Educational Research; Science and Technical Education, Education for the Underserved Areas

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and Distance Education. The nominations of Nodal Agencies for each of the priority themes have been completed and appropriate Action Plans are being prepared.

Short-term activities in the field of Education include, Expert Group Meetings;

Workshops/Seminars on the priority themes; Modernisation of Curriculum; Environmental Education including Population Education; Planning and Management of Education, Teacher

Training, Higher Education and Book Production and Marketing.

TC03 is also engaged in the improvement and expansion of the SAARC Chairs, Fellowships and Scholarships Scheme. Nodal Points for networking arrangement for sharing

information on Mass Literacy Programmes have been identified. The modalities and operational framework for this purpose are being prepared.

Short term activities in the field of Culture include six South Asian Archaeological Congresses; one History Conference; Workshops / Training / Seminars on Conservation of Wall

Paintings, Documentation of Musical and Oral Traditions, Archives and Photographic Exhibitions of Monuments, National Heritage and an Expert Group Meeting on Preservation of

Monuments and Archival Materials. In the field of Arts and Exhibition of Handicrafts; Workshops on Sea Based Crafts and Artisans at Work; and SAARC Painters Camp have been held.

As part of the regional cooperation activities in Sports, Coaching Camps / Clinics have been

conducted in Table Tennis, Squash, Hockey, Basketball, Swimming, Athletics and Volleyball. Training of Experts in Sparktaid has been conducted. Basketball and Football Tournaments and

SAARC Marathons have been organised.

4. Environment (TC04)

The Third SAARC Summit (Kathmandu, 1987) decided to commission a study on "Causes and Consequences of Natural Disasters and the Protection and Preservation of the

Environment". National Studies were undertaken and subsequently consolidated into a Regional Study, which was approved by the Sixth SAARC Summit (Colombo, 1991).

The recommendations of the above Regional Study were considered by the Committee on Environment (February 1992), which identified, for immediate action, measures for

strengthening the environment management infrastructure; programmes on environmentally sound land and water use planning; research and action programme on mountain development in

the Himalayan Region; coastal zone management programme; a SAARC forestry and watershed programme; programme on energy and environment; pollution control and hazardous waste management programme; a SAARC cooperative programme for biodiversity management;

peoples participation in resource management; information exchange on low cost and environmentally sound habitat technologies; establishment of a SAARC relief and assistance

mechanism for disaster and regional cooperation on the development of modern disaster warning systems.

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A special session of the Committee on Environment (November 1992) met to evolve specific programme activities and modalities to implement the above measures.

The Fourth SAARC Summit (Islamabad, 1988) decided that a joint study be undertaken

on "Greenhouse Effect and its Impact on the Region". National Studies prepared by member states were consolidated into a regional study, which was approved by the Seventh SAARC

Summit (Dhaka, 1993).

The Committee on Environment was designated as the Technical Committee on Environment and included within its purview, "Greenhouse Effect and its Impact on the Region".

It began functioning from January 1, 1993.

TC04 has identified measures for immediate action from among the recommendations and decided on a number of modalities for their implementation. These include, improving climate monitoring capability through networking arrangement and through SAARC

Meteorological Research Centre (SMRC); developing climate change and sea-level rise scenario through country specific studies and sharing of information data in this respect; making available

to member states expertise on climate research and monitoring Greenhouse Gases emission; identification of training and research institutions and ongoing programmes; exchange of information and data; exchange of experience on strategies for developing, mitigating and

adaptive responses to climate change.

TC04 also covers topics such as Approaches to Environmental Legislations, Regulations and Standards in SAARC countries; Rehabilitation of Degraded Lands; Training Course on

Wetlands Assessment and Management; Workshop on Alternate/Renewable Energy and Workshop of SAARC National Experts on Climate Change. The urgent need to establish a networking approach through identified nodal points/institutions has also been stressed.

A SAARC Environment Ministers Conference was held in New Delhi in April 1992 to

evolve a joint position on the issues related to the UN Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED). SAARC also presented a common position paper to the Fourth World

Conference on Natural Disaster Reduction (Yokohama, May 1994).

TCs on Environment and Meteorology will be merged and designated as TC on Environment and Meteorology with effect from 1 January 1996.

5. Health and Population Activities (TC05)

Health and Population Activities was one of the original five areas of cooperation

identified by member states. The First Meeting of TC05 was held in 1984.

The primary focus of TC05 has been on children, population welfare and policy, maternal and child health, primary health care, disabled and handicapped persons, control and eradication of

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major diseases in the region such as malaria, leprosy, tuberculosis, diarrhea diseases, rabies, AIDS, and iodine deficiency disorder.

Important activities undertaken by TC05 include the setting up of the SAARC

Tuberculosis Centre (STC), in Kathmandu in 1992, devising a standard Format for preparing the Annual Review of the Situation of Children in the SAARC region; establishment of networking

arrangements for training, research and eradication of malaria and regional approach for combating major diseases in the region. A Directory of training programmes in six priority areas, i.e. malaria, tuberculosis, leprosy, diarrhoeal diseases, human rabies and maternal and child

health have been prepared and circulated. In addition, several status papers on important subjects relating to health have been circulated among member states.

The Second SAARC Summit (Bangalore, 1986) decided that the survival, protection and

development of Children should be given highest priority and directed that annual reviews be undertaken on the situation of children in SAARC countries. Such annual reviews for the years

1993 and 1994 have been completed by TC05 based on annual country reports submitted by member states. These annual reviews have indicated,inter-alia, reduction of infant mortality and significant progress in the immunisation programme for children in the region.

TC05 will be renamed as TC on Health, Population Activities and Child Welfare with effect

from 1 January 1996.

6. Meteorology (TC06)

Meteorology was also one of the five areas of cooperation initially identified by member states. The first meeting of TC06 was held in 1984. Since its inception, the Committee has been

involved in organizing seminars/workshops in areas such as Joint Inter-Comparison of Barometers, Meteorological Instruments, Agricultural Meteorology, Numerical Weather Prediction, Crop-Weather relationship and Crop-Yield Forecast, Long Range Weather

Forecasting, Radar Meteorology etc. Training programmes have been conducted on Meteorological Tele-communications, Management and Establishment of National Data Centers,

Monsoon Forecasting etc. State-of-the-art Reports on Western Disturbances, Tropical Cyclones including Prediction of Recurvature, Thunder Storms, Long Range Forecasting of Monsoon Rain, Short Range Prediction of Monsoon and Norwesters, Tornadoes and Water Sprouts, have

been completed. Expert panels have been convened on specialized fields such as Agro-meteorology; Climatology and Data Exchange; and Instrumentation.

An Annual Regional Award is given to a young scientist or a group of scientists for a

research paper on meteorological topics to encourage research in the field of Meteorology. Another Award has been introduced since 1995 for senior scientists to encourage research work

in the field of Meteorology.

The programmes for 1990s identified by the Committee include, the establishment of National Data Centers, conducting studies on Meteorological aspects of Environment Pollution, establishment of Port Meteorological Offices for obtaining Data from Ocean areas. TC06 has

also identified long-term measures, such as creation of a Regional Data Bank, Organization of

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Research Flight Facilities for probing cyclones, networking for Drifting and Anchored Buoys in Oceanic Regions, Environmental Pollution Monitoring stations, Preparation of Atlases of

Meteorological Parameters and Familiarization with Computer Technology as needed for meteorological research, including visits to computer centers and cost of consumable.

TCs on Meteorology and Environment will be merged and designated as TC on Environment and

Meteorology with effect from 1 January 1996.

7. Prevention of Drug Trafficking and Drug Abuse (TC07)

Since its establishment in 1987, TC07 has implemented a number of programmes in law enforcement, prevention, treatment and rehabilitation as essential elements of a coordinated

regional strategy in combating drug trafficking and drug abuse. It contributed significantly towards the finalisation of the SAARC Convention on Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances in November 1990, which came into force in September 1993 upon its ratification by

all member states.

Cooperation among Drug Law Enforcement Agencies and Officers is being developed through short-term activities such as Seminars and Training Courses. Nodal Agencies in member states

have been nominated to exchange information and intelligence on drug offences. The SAARC Drug Offences Monitoring Desk (SDOMD) has been established in Colombo to collate, analyse and disseminate information on drug offences. Efforts are afoot for further strengthening

SDOMD.

In the field of demand reduction, short-term activities such as workshops/ seminars held so far have focused on the role of media in drug abuse prevention, community mobilization against

drug abuse, preventive education, school curriculum development, treatment and relapse prevention and exchange of information on indigenous and innovative methods of treatment. A networking arrangement among Nodal Institutions in drug abuse prevention is being established.

Meetings of selected NGOs involved in Drug Abuse Prevention have been held. A Directory of such Organisations has been compiled in order to promote greater interaction among them. The Colombo Plan Bureau's Project Proposal and the establishment of working

relations between SAARC and the Colombo Plan Bureau were approved by the Twentieth Session of the Standing Committee. This will promote and encourage cooperation among NGOs

in SAARC countries involved in anti-narcotics activities.

Efforts have been directed at promoting SAARC member states' accession to the relevant UN Conventions, conclusion of Regional and Drug Convention and harmonisation and consolidation of national drug laws. A Memorandum of Understanding for cooperation between

SAARC and the United Nations International Drug Control Programme (UNDCP) has been signed.

8. Rural Development (TC08)

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Rural Development is one of the five original areas identified for cooperation under the IPA. The first meeting of the Committee was held in 1984. Specific activities taken up by the

Technical Committee include, exchange of information and literature among member states on issues relating to rural development, preparation of research studies on selected topics,

compilation of lists of experts, training institutes, and institutions involved in transfer of appropriate technology in member states, with a view to exchanging expertise and sharing training facilities within the region.

Several workshops/seminars and training courses covering practically all aspects of rural

development including regional planning, poverty focused development, rural energy, design of agricultural projects, local level planning, inter-country comparisons, appropriate technology,

disaster management, rural child development, rural sociology, peoples participation, rural water supply, employment generation, social forestry, rural communication and development of agricultural markets have been conducted in member states under the TC08.

Priority areas identified by TC08 for the 1990s for the selection of well identified, target-oriented and time bound programmes are Poverty Alleviation, Employment, Human Resource Development and Organization of Rural Poor, Women in Development, Sustainable Rural

Development, Environment and Technology transfer.

The decision to establish a Shelter Information Network "SHELTERNET" has been followed up by an Expert Group meeting which has defined its objectives and prepared detailed financial

cost-estimates as well as operational modalities for final approval.

The Committee has also been entrusted with the work relating to the SAARC Youth Volunteers Programme (SYVOP) since November 1989.

9. Science and Technology (TC09)

Since its establishment in 1983, TC09 has undertaken a wide variety of programmes

which include short-term activities such as Seminars/Workshops, Training Programmes, Joint Research Projects, preparation of State-of-the-art Reports and compilation of Directories.

Seminars/Workshops/ Meetings of Experts held so far were on: Post Harvest and Food Technology; Renewable Energy Resources; Photovoltaic; Pesticides; Instrumentation,

Maintenance and Calibration, Cultivation and Processing of Medicine and Aromatic Plants; Delivery System of Improved Stoves for Rural Users; Low Cost Housing Technology Diffusion

in Rural Areas; Treatment of Drinking Water in Rural and Urban areas; Science Policy; Low Cost Scientific Educational Equipment; Bio-Fertilizer Technology; Bio-Mass Gasification; Recycling of Waste Water and Development of Technologies for Pollution Control; Technology

Information and its Linkages; Biological Control of Plant Pests; Immunodiagnostics; Ore Benefaction; Energy Modeling Techniques; Solar Thermal Technology; Technological Aspects

of Low Cost Housing; Examination of Operational System of Rural Electrification Cooperative; and Short Course on Technology Assessment and Technology Diffusion.

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Training Programmes have also been held for Scientists and Technologists on Tannery Waste Management, Low Cost Housing, Development of Prawn Hatcheries, Electronics and

Molecular Biology. In addition, Joint Research Projects on Design and Manufacture of Food Processing Equipment and Appropriate Post Harvest Food Technology for Perishable Items have

been carried out.

State-of-the-art Reports have been completed on Bio-Gas; Mineral Resources Exploration; Producer Gas; Application of Remote Sensing Techniques; and Use of Organic Fertilizers. The Report currently under preparation include Building Materials and Technologies; Integrated

Management of Tannery Waste; Selected Rural Technologies; Food Processing Technologies and Handicrafts; Local Electronic Products in the SAARC Region; and Bio-technology.

Directories are being prepared on Specialized Analytical Instrumentation Facilities and

Techniques; and Process Engineering/Pilot Plant Facilities in Agro Food Processing.

Networking Arrangements are being established in the fields of Bio-technology and Genetic Engineering, Energy Modeling Techniques, Technology Information and Low Cost Housing and

Building Technologies.

10. Tourism (TC10)

TC10 was established in 1991 to promote cooperation in the field of tourism in the region. At its first meeting held in Colombo in October 1991, the Committee decided on an

Action Plan on Tourism to promote cooperation in the areas such as training programmes, exchange of information, joint promotion, jointventure investment, intraregional tourism etc. It also reviewed progress on the SAARC Scheme for Promotion of Organized Tourism. These

topics have formed an integral part of the agenda of the five Meetings of this Committee which have been held so far.

Under the purview of TC10, member countries have exchanged information on training facilities

existing in the region and a number of slots for providing training in the field of tourism and hotel management were offered. TC10 has decided upon steps to produce joint tourism brochure, SAARC Travel Guide and joint-production of SAARC tourism promotional film on the theme

"A Unique Holiday with Diversity : From Top of the World to the Sunny beaches". Activities such as familiarisation tours and Food Festival in member states were also identified. Steps were

also taken to coordinate the participation of SAARC member states in international tourism fairs. Emphasis is also being placed on the importance of early launching of the SAARC Scheme for Promotion of Organised Tourism.

11. Transport (TC11)

In recognition of the importance of the transport sector, TC11 was set up in 1983. The work of the Technical Committee covers three major segments of transport, i.e. land transport,

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divided into roadways and railways; sea transport sub-divided into inland waterways and shipping; and air transport.

The activities of TC11 cover exchange of data and information, preparation of status papers,

compilation of data-base and directories of consultancy centres for transport sector. Seminars and Workshops have covered areas such as Material and Cost of Road Construction,

Maintenance of Roads, Rural Roads, Road transportation and safety; Containerisation for Railways, Urban transportation, Inland Water Transport, Maritime Transport etc.

Training Courses have included Corporate Planning for Railway sector, Highway and

Bridge Engineering. A Compendia of Information on Roads in the SAARC region has been completed and similarly data on Railway Transport has been compiled. Two important Directories - one on Centres of Excellence and the other on Consultants and Experts in the field

of transport are being prepared. An important Study on "In-depth examination of Transport Infrastructure and Transit Facilities so as to come up with viable proposals for Improvement" has

recently been completed.

The activities held under the Transport Sector, so far, have helped in fostering better cooperation among member countries and resulted in the dissemination and exchange of data, expertise, information and experiences.

The work programme for the 1990s covers a wide range of issues related to rail, sea and air

transportation. Recently, four new areas of cooperation in the Transport Sector have been identified by the Committee: Transport Safety, Rural Transport, Environmental Aspects, and

Energy Conservation. Two new proposals : "Establishing Joint Venture Operations to provide Container Liner Shipping Services for Long Haul Trade Routes" and "Consultancy/Contracting Joint Ventures in the Transport Sector in the SAARC Region" are also being considered by the

Technical Committee.

Transport is a vital area in providing access to products to markets and opening up new areas of productivity. Especially now with the signing of Agreement on SAARC Preferential Trading

Arrangement (SAPTA) this sector has even a more crucial role to play in intra-SAARC trade.

12. Women in Development (TC12)

Women in Development was included as an area of cooperation under the IPA in 1986. Specific issues taken up by TC12 include, preparation of a Regional Plan of Action for Women,

effective dissemination of technical information relating to women in development generated by member states, preparation of Guide Books on Women in Development by member states etc. SAARC Women's Journals on specific themes relating to women in development have been

published to coincide with important events like SAARC Summits.

On the recommendation of the Committee, 1990 was designated as the "SAARC Year of the Girl-Child" and subsequently 1991-2000 A.D. declared as the "SAARC Decade of the Girl-

Child". A SAARC Plan of Action has been drawn up to observe the decade in order to highlight the gender disparities in the region and to promote the welfare of the Girl-Child. Member states

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are now in the process of implementing the Plan of Action. In this connection SAARC would be conducting a comprehensive mid-decade review for presentation to the Ninth SAARC Summit.

SAARC has recognised the serious threat faced by certain groups of Girl Children in

Especially Difficult Circumstances (GCEDC) and decided that an urgent appraisal of the situation of these children be undertaken and presented to the Ninth SAARC Summit.

Several short-term activities like seminars, workshops and training courses have been

held in the areas of women in law, women and environment, women's education and training, women's employment, women in agriculture and extension etc. Several activities related to

different aspects of the Girl-Child have also been held under the Committee. Exhibitions on Handicrafts and Design by Women have also been organised by member states.

A Women's Cell has been established in the SAARC Secretariat to act as a Data Bank and a store house of information on Women in Development in the region. It will also act as a forum for

coordination among member states and other TCs.

A SAARC collective position on issues before the Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing in September 1995 had been formulated and a "SAARC Ministerial Meeting on Women:

Towards the Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing" has been held and the Dhaka Resolution adopted at the meeting provided additional input from SAARC Countries to the Beijing Conference

NETWORKING

An Expert Group of SAARC Member countries had recommended the following

networking strategy which was also approved by the Council of Ministers:

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The SAARC Disaster Management Centre shall develop appropriate strategies for the performance of its functions, which may include the following:

a. Network with the national focal points of disaster management and with the

concerned regional and international bodies;

b. Assist the national focal points of disaster management of Member states to

develop appropriate models for networking with their research, training and other institutions;

c. Develop a network of networking institutions to facilitate quick acquisition, storage, retrieval and dissemination of information, data and knowledge on disaster management including linkages with approved real-time data providers;

d. Use information and communication technologies to develop a virtual resource

centre for disaster management in South Asia.

The Governing Body of the Centre has approved the following operational plan for

implementing the networking strategy:

a. Each Member Country shall nominate its National Focal Point with which the SAARC Disaster Management Centre shall network.

b. The National Focal Points in turn shall network with the national research,

training and other organizations engaged in creation, dissemination and use of knowledge on various aspects of disaster risk reduction and management.

c. Appropriate networking model shall be developed by each Member State in

consultation with the Centre, which will be linked with the SAARC Disaster Management

Centre. This will interlock a large number of organizations engaged in disaster risk reduction and management in South Asia and a vast pool of knowledge and resources already available in the

region shall be made available for the use of the people of the entire region. d. Each National Focal Point shall identify its National Focal Point Coordinator with

whom the SAARC Disaster Management Centre shall work on a day-to-day basis.

SAARC DISASTER MANAGEMENT FRAMEWORK

On the aftermath of Indian Ocean Tsunami of December 2004, a Special Session of the SAARC Environment Ministers was held at Male on 25 June 2005. The Ministers had concluded the meeting by adopting the Male Declaration, which decided inter alia that an Expert Group of

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the member countries shall meet at Dhaka, Bangladesh to formulate a Comprehensive Framework on Early Warning, Disaster Management and Disaster Prevention, prior to the

Seventh Ministerial Meeting on Environment in Bangladesh. The Expert Group met on 7-9 February, 2006 in Dhaka and developed a comprehensive

framework on disaster management in South Asia. The framework is aligned with the implementation of the Hyogo Framework of Action (HFA) 2005-2015: Building the Resilience of Nations and Communities to Disasters. The Framework was approved by the SAARC Council

of Ministers on 30 July 2006 and by the Fourteenth SAARC Summit in New Delhi in 3-4 April 2007.

The Framework provides a platform for South Asian countries to:

• Establish and strengthen the regional disaster management system to reduce risks and to

improve response and recovery management at all levels

• Identify and elaborate country and regional priorities for action • Share best practices and lessons learnt from disaster risk reduction efforts at national

levels

• Establish a regional system to develop and implement regional programmes and projects for early warning

• Establish a regional system of exchanging information on prevention, preparedness and management of natural disasters

• Create a regional response mechanism dedicated to disaster preparedness, emergency relief and rehabilitation to ensure immediate response

• Create a regional mechanism to facilitate monitoring and evaluation of achievements

towards goals and strategies

Future of SAARC

South Asia is at a historic moment of transforming the economic conditions of its people

and playing a leadership role in the global economy. For the first time in the last three centuries, the global economy is undergoing a shift in its centre of gravity from the continents of Europe and North America to Asia. If present trends of GDP growth in China, the US and India

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respectively continue, then in the next 25 years, China will be the largest economy in the world and India the third largest, after the US. If South Asia achieves economic integration, it could

emerge as the second largest economy in the world. Thus, South Asia together with China, could become the greatest economic powerhouse in human history. The challenge before the political

leadership of the various Saarc countries is to actualise this great potential for transforming the material conditions of their people and performing a leadership role in building a better world. It is in this context that the 17th Saarc Summit in Addu (Maldives) on the theme of ‘Building

Bridges’, gains significance.

Five interrelated policy challenges need to be addressed at the individual country level on the basis of regional cooperation within the SAARC framework:

(i) Rapid implementation of free trade and investment envisaged in the South Asian Free Trade Agreement needs to be undertaken. Inspite of commendable recent progress, South Asia

remains the least integrated region in the world. Intra-regional trade as a share of total trade in South Asia remains at about five per cent, which is the lowest for any region in the world. Other measures of integration such as cross-border investment; cross-border movement of people;

sharing of ideas; communication as measured by telephone calls (only seven per cent of international telephone calls are regional, compared to 71 per cent in East Asia); and transfer of

technology and royalty payments are all extremely low. Achieving greater economic integration will require substantially improved regional connectivity and overcoming interstate tensions and mistrust;

(ii) The process of economic integration and the welfare of people should not be held hostage to the resolution of interstate disputes. Indeed, as economic integration is undertaken,

new constituencies for peace will emerge that will facilitate the resolution of interstate disputes. Nevertheless, the core issues of cross-border terrorism and outstanding territorialdisputes such as Kashmir must be addressed to establish the basis of lasting peace;

(iii) Inspite of impressive economic growth rates in the last two decades, mass poverty

persists in South Asia as this region is home to half of the world’s poor population. Therefore, it is necessary to change the structure of the existing elite-based economic growth process which induces increasing income inequalities and constricts the poverty reduction effect of growth. A

new inclusive growth process needs to be undertaken whereby the middle classes and the poor can have access to productive resources, high wage employment and equitable access over factor

and product markets. Saarc can provide the framework for sharing and pursuing best practices in this regard;

(iv) Strengthening democracy by making it more participatory. This involves creating

institutional structures for decentralised governance from the federal to the provincial/state,

district and down to the grassroots levels: the purpose being to enable people to participate systematically in decisions that affect their economic and social life, their physical security and

the life-support systems of the natural environment;

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(v) Climate changeand the expected intensification of existing water stress in some countries of South Asia, food shortages and rising sea levels threaten the stability of economies

and societies in South Asia.Regional cooperation to undertake joint adaptation and mitigation measures to face this crisis are therefore necessary.

He future of South Asia is delicately poised like a dewdrop on a blade of grass. We need to draw upon our civilisational wellsprings of innovativeness to chart a new course for ourselves and the world.

SAARC Award

The Twelfth Summit (Islamabad, January 2004) approved the institution of the SAARC Award

to honour and encourage outstanding individuals and organisations within the region. The main

objectives of the SAARC Award are:

To encourage individuals and organisations based in South Asia to undertake programmes

and activities complementing the efforts of SAARC

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To encourage individuals and organisations in South Asia contributing to the improvement

of the conditions of women and children

To honour outstanding contributions and achievements of individuals and organisations

within the region in the fields of peace, development, poverty alleviation, environment

protection and regional co-operation making the SAARC Award the most prestigious Award

in the region; and

To honour any other outstanding contributions and achievements, not covered above, of

individuals and organisations in the region.

The SAARC Award comprises a gold medal, a letter of citation and cash prize of US $ 25,000.

Since institution of SAARC Award in 2004, it has been awarded only once and the Award was

posthumoulsy conferred upon Late President Ziaur Rahman of Bangladesh.

SAARC Youth Award

The SAARC Youth Award is awarded to outstanding individuals from the SAARC region. The

award is notable due to the recognition it gives to the Award winner in the SAARC region. The

award is based on specific themes which apply to each year. The award recognises and promotes

the commitment and talent of the youth who give back to the world at large through various

initiatives such as Inventions, Protection of the Environment and Disaster relief. The recipients

who receive this award are ones who have dedicated their lives to their individual causes to

improve situations in their own countries as well as paving a path for the SAARC region to

follow. The Committee for the SAARC Youth Award selects the best candidate based on his/her

merits and their decision is final.

Previous Winners:

1997: Outstanding Social Service in Community Welfare – Mr. Md. Sukur Salek

(Bangladesh)

1998: New Inventions and Shanu – Dr. Najmul Hasnain Shah (Pakistan)

2001: Creative Photography: South Asian Diversity – Mr. Mushfiqul Alam (Bangladesh)

2002: Outstanding contribution to protect the Environment – Dr. Masil Khan (Pakistan)

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2003: Invention in the Field of Traditional Medicine – Mr. Hassan Sher (Pakistan)

2004: Outstanding contribution to raising awareness for TB and/or HIV/AIDS – Mr. Ajij

Prasad Poudyal (Nepal)

2006: Promotion of Tourism in South Asia – Mr. Syed Zafar Abbas Naqvi (Pakistan)

2008: Protecting the Environment in South Asia – Ms. Uswatta Liyanage Deepani Jayantha

(Sri Lanka)

2009: Outstanding contribution to humanitarian works in the aftermath of Natural Disasters –

Dr. Ravikant Singh (India)

2010: Outstanding contribution for the Protection of Environment and mitigation of Climate

Change – Ms. Anoka Primrose Abeyrathne (Sri Lanka)

Preamble to the SAARC Charter

The preamble to the SAARC Charter spells out the intention of forming this South Asian

alliance as “We, the Heads of State or Government of BANGLADESH, BHUTAN, INDIA, MALDIVES, NEPAL, PAKISTAN and SRI LANKA; ‘Desirous of promoting peace, stability, amity and progress in the region through strict adherence to the principles of the UNITED

NATIONS CHARTER and NON-ALIGNMENT, particularly respect for the principles of sovereign equality, territorial integrity, national independence, non-use of force and non-

interference in the internal affairs of other States and peaceful settlement of all disputes’

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‘Conscious that in an increasingly interdependent world, the objectives of peace, freedom, social justice and economic prosperity are best achieved in the SOUTH ASIAN region

by fostering mutual understanding, good neighbourly relations and meaningful cooperation among the Member States which are bound by ties of history and culture’ ‘Aware of the common

problems, interests and aspirations of the peoples of SOUTH ASIA and the need for joint action and enhanced cooperation within their respective political and economic systems and cultural traditions’”

‘Convinced that regional cooperation among the countries of SOUTH ASIA is mutually

beneficial, desirable and necessary for promoting the welfare and improving the quality of life of the peoples of the region; ‘Convinced further that economic, social and technical cooperation among the countries of SOUTH ASIA would contribute significantly to national and collective

self-reliance;

Recognising that increased cooperation, contacts and exchanges among the countries of the region will contribute to the promotion of friendship and understanding among their peoples; Do hereby agree to establish an organisation to be known as SOUTH ASIAN ASSOCIATION

FOR REGIONAL COOPERATION hereinafter referred to as the ASSOCIATION...’ Objectives Moreover, the cooperation of the SAARC is also based on broader principles of respect for the

principles of sovereign equality, territorial integrity, political independence, noninterference in internal affairs of the Member States and on mutual benefit.

Decisions are taken on the basis of unanimity and bilateral and contentious issues are excluded from the deliberations of SAARC.

People to People Contacts

Under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme, some specifically identified categories of

persons along with their spouses and dependent children are entitled to travel within the SAARC region without visa.

Although the Visa Scheme is yet to attain the depth and coverage of regional visa

schemes like the Schengen visa, it has proved to be effective in generating credibility about the

SAARC process.

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SAARC as an institution has always emphasized the need for strengthening people-to-people contacts through greater participation of NGOs, including professional bodies in the

private sector, to promote socio-economic and cultural co-operation in South Asia.

SAARC has formulated a set of guidelines and procedures for granting recognition to regional NGOs and professional bodies. SAARC Charter Day The SAARC Secretariat and Member States observe 8th December as the SAARC Charter Day.

SAARC designated years SAARC has designated years to draw special focus on specific

social issues and has contributed to raising awareness, mobilizing resources and adopting/adapting national programs.

SAARC Agreement on Tax Cooperation Finalised

The Third Meeting of SAARC Sub-Group on Avoidance of Double Taxation was held at

the SAARC Secretariat, Kathmandu on 30th August 2005. The Sub-Group had earlier considered the text of the Draft SAARC Limited Multilateral Agreement on Avoidance of Double Taxation

and Mutual Administrative Assistance in Tax Matters at its first and second meetings (SAARC Secretariat, Kathmandu, 26-28 October 2004 and Islamabad, 6-7 December 2004 respectively). The Third Meeting, attended by the representatives of all SAARC Member States, was chaired

by Mr. A.S. Jahir Muhammad, Member (Income Tax Policy), National Board of Revenue, Government of Bangladesh. The Meeting discussed the outstanding issues and reached consensus on the text of the Draft Agreement. The Draft Agreement will now be considered by

appropriate higher SAARC bodies for approval and signature at the forthcoming Thirteenth SAARC Summit scheduled to be held in Dhaka on 12-13 November2005.

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1.At the invitation of the Government of Pakistan, the Health Ministers of SAARC

Countries met in Islamabad on 16 July 2005 for their Second Conference. The First such Conference was held in New Delhi in November 2003.

2. The Conference was inaugurated by His Excellency Mr. Shaukat Aziz, Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. In his inaugural address, the Prime Minister, called for

concerted efforts by all Member States to work unitedly to wipe out the deadly diseases from the region and to improve the health facilities accessible to a common man of our countries. He emphasized on the need to initiate practical measures to strengthen the cooperation in health care

among Member States. He further stated that we should take advantage of available modern technologies, including telemedicine facilities, to combat the deadly menace from our region.

3. His Excellency Mr. Mohammad Nasir Khan, Minister of Health, Government of

Pakistan, welcomed the delegates to the Conference. He stated that there was a need to devise

regional strategies for the effective implementation of earlier decisions taken on health and population issues by all Member States within the given timeframe.

4. The inaugural session was also addressed by H.E. Mr. Chenkyab Dorji, SAARC

Secretary General. He highlighted the key elements in the agenda for the Second Conference of

Health Ministers and hoped that the Conference would hold in-depth deliberations to advance regional cooperation for improving health sector for the people of our region. The Secretary

General informed the gathering on various initiatives taken under SAARC umbrella to control communicable diseases and stated that there was an urgent need to do much more in this regard. The Secretary General appreciated the Government of Pakistan for hosting this important

Conference and stated that the Conference had provided a useful opportunity to strengthen the ongoing efforts of Member States aimed at the promotion of good health of people in the region.

5. His Excellency, Dr. Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain, MP, Minister of Health and Family Welfare of Bangladesh delivered the Vote of Thanks at the Inaugural Session, on behalf

of the visiting delegations. He thanked the Government of Pakistan for holding this important Conference. He offered to host the Third Conference of the SAARC Health Ministers in Bangladesh during the first quarter of 2006.

6. The Conference, among others, agreed to:

cooperate in reducing the impact of natural disasters such as tsunami. In this context, the Member States agreed to develop medical emergency kits for expediting response to large scale natural disaster.

Establish a proper mechanism to follow-up on the earlier decisions for reporting at the next Conferences of the Health Ministers.

Exchange data on health indicators among SAARC Member States. Share Human Resource priorities, collaborate in capacity building and accreditation

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among Member States.

7. The Health Ministers issued the “Islamabad Declaration on Health and Population” on the conclusion of the Conference. The Declaration calls for the Member States to:

a. Foster a collaborative environment and develop a mechanism for enhanced regional

cooperation in Health and Population

b. Commit to the setting up of a regional institutional mechanism and establishment of

national focal points within Ministries of Health and Population, to facilitate effective implementation of decisions agreed in the present declaration

c. Facilitate sharing of experiences, technical expertise and successes in the region in priority health and population areas within research, policy, programmes and health systems

d. Reiterate the decision of the First Conference of SAARC Health Ministers held in New

Delhi, to enhance inter-country cooperation for emergency preparedness and regional disease

surveillance and the establishment of a SAARC Disease Surveillance Center and Rapid Deployment Health Response System

e. Commit to working towards developing regional policies and programmes as well as

effective partnerships in order to check illegal trade in drugs and medicines and regional / inter-

regional movement of spurious, sub-standards drugs, food as well as narcotics and psychotropic substances

f. Recommend protection, promotion and mainstreaming of the traditional system of

medicine in the healthcare delivery systems of member countries

g. Agree to establish an Expert Group on Population issues under the mandate of

Technical Committee on Health and Population, to strengthen cooperation, exchange of experiences and policy dialogues in area of family planning and reproductive health to achieve common agenda of ICPD and Millennium Development Goals

h. Call upon all stakeholders including development partners to complement the region’s

efforts in achieving Millennium Development Goals and addressing other priority health and population issues.

i. Allocate a larger percentage of GDP for health, nutrition, population and related research

j. Support networking of National Research Institutions in conducting collaborative

research projects to address regional health priorities and need to establish a regional research

fund

k. Agree to explore the options of designating a Regional Public Health Institute

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l. Strengthen regional mechanisms for exchange of faculty and students in disciplines of Medical Sciences and Public Health Education

8. The Ministers welcomed the offer made by His Excellency, Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain, MP, Minister of Health and Family Welfare of Bangladesh, to host the Third SAARC Health

Ministers Conference in first quarter of 2006.

9. The full text of the Joint Statement issued by the Health is attached.

16 July 2005

Recalling the decisions of SAARC Heads of the States or Governments to intensify regional cooperation with a view to strengthening disaster management capabilities in the region, and the urgent need to devise a regional mechanism in South Asia for early warning,

preparedness and management of natural disasters;

1. Express our deep sense of sorrow and profound sympathy to the people of the affected countries in the region for the loss of many lives and extensive devastation, which rendered thousands of people homeless;

2. Express our deep sense of sorrow and profound sympathy also for the people of other

countries who have lost many of their nationals in the disaster;

3. Express full solidarity with the Governments and the peoples of the affected countries

in their efforts to provide immediate relief to the victims of the disaster, and towards long-term rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts;

4. Encourage the international community to ensure assistance in continuing efforts of

Member States requiring assistance towards rehabilitation and reconstruction.

5. Recognize that the tragic impact of the tsunami further reiterates the urgent need for

effective disaster risk reduction, disaster management, provision of emergency relief and rehabilitation and reconstruction;

6. Reinforce the capabilities within the Member States to tackle similar disasters in the South Asian region, which is quite prone to natural disasters;

7. Reaffirm to come together in the event of such disasters to alleviate the suffering of the

people in the affected areas in the region;

8.Decide to undertake the following:

(a) communicate their existing early warning capabilities through the SAARC

Secretariat, which can be used as an early warning system for natural disasters in the region in

the interim period before a regional system is developed in the region;

(b) develop a strategy to integrate the disaster recovery and reconstruction activities into the national sustainable development strategies of the Tsunami-impacted SAARC countries;

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(c) identify their national focal points for early warning, disaster preparedness and

management, who should attend the proposed Expert Group Meeting in Dhaka to formulate a Comprehensive Framework on Early Warning, Disaster Management and Disaster Prevention,

prior to the Seventh Ministerial Meeting on Environment in Bangladesh.

(d) further enhance the capacity of the existing SAARC institutions, namely, the SAARC

Meteorological Research Centre in Dhaka and the SAARC Coastal Zone Management Centre in Malé to carry out their mandated tasks;

(e) call upon the international donor community to fulfill their commitment in providing

pledged aid for the early recovery, reconstruction and rehabilitation programme for Tsunami

affected Member Countries requiring assistance;

(f) cooperate in the promotion of the tourism sector as a way of reviving the economies of the Member Countries that are severely affected by the Tsunami; and

(g) develop SAARC regional programmes/projects for early warning, preparedness and

management of Tsunami and other natural disasters.

Conclusion

SAARC is the weakest regional organization of the world its population is 1.5 billion, its problems are numerous and they demand urgent solution. The bigger countries should look

after the LDCs. the goals should be made realistic, so that they can easily be achieved. SAARC Chamber of Commerce and Industry organized 4th SAARC Business Leaders

Conclave with theme “Peace and Prosperity through Regional Connectivity” in collaboration with Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce & Industry on 20-22 September 2011 at

Kathmandu, Nepal. The Conclave was supported by Friedrich Naumann Foundation, Regional office New Delhi and the World Bank Group as the knowledge partner. Leading Sri Lankan business personalities attended this with the Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry

40

(FCCISL) officials striking greater success in terms of business networking and promoting the country.

The conclave aimed at determining a persuasive action plan of the private sector of the

region to foster the process of regional integration in South Asia.

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