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Faiqa Umer
Faiqa Umer
TRADE
International Conference On SAARC @ 25
Faiqa Umer
Sustainable Development Policy Institute, Islamabad.
Introduction
SAARC established in 1985.Member countries: Afghanistan, Bangladesh,
Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka.
Core objectives:
To promote and strengthen collective self-reliance among the countries of
South Asia
To contribute to develop mutual trust, understanding and appreciation of one
another’s problem
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
To cooperate with international and regional organizations with similar aims
and purposes.
Progress so far
SAARC celebrated 25 years of existence at its 16th summit held on 28-29
April 2010 in the Bhutanese capital, Thimphu.
Formed instruments of regional cooperation
South Asian Free Trade Agreement (SAFTA)
Bhutan
Bhutan
Indo-Pak trade:
% of Pakistan’s total exports: 1.93
(ITC, 2006)
Indo-Pak Trade
2002-03 2003-04 2004-05 2005-06
Exports
US $mn 45 58 95 180
(Pakistan to India)
Imports
US $mn 206 287 521 689
(India to Pakistan)
Total
251 345 616 869
US $mn