SOUTH ASIAN ASSOCIATION OF REGIONAL CO-OPERATION
(SAARC)
CHALLENGES IN SAARC
Jan 20, 2005: Although SAARC is on the way to integrate but there are many challenges
encountering by the member states of SAARC. Some of them are mentioned below:
Regional Conflict
Since its inception in 1985, SAARC is facing a series of impediments to grow. The long lasting
conflict between India and Pakistan, the two most influential members of SAARC, has made the
SAARC virtually ineffective. Since the independence from the British Empire, these two countries
had engaged in war in 1948 and 1965 especially the tension over Kashmir issue which was
intensified further for most of the last two years. Year 2004 seems to be a peaceful one as both
the countries are showing interest in reducing tense over Kashmir and other bi-lateral issues.
Although the framework of SAPTA (South Asian Preferential Trading Agreement) has been
signed, the effectiveness of SAPTA largely depends on the relationship between Pakistan and
India. Over the years, there have been many seminars and dialogues among the member states
for strengthening the integration process, fruitful implementation of the dialogues are depending
largely on the political as well as regional stability.
Diverse in religious belief
SAARC is comprised of about 1.3 billion population, more than half of it is hindu while the rests
are Muslim, Buddist and Christian etc. The diversity in religion and belief has divided the member
states in many common policy areas. Moreover, the high belief in superstitions has made the
people less productive and impractical
Similar exporting items
Other impediments are; most of the SAARC countries compete for same foreign markets by
offering the same products such as jute, garments, tea etc.
Lack in knowledge industry
Majority of the SAARC countries are lagging in knowledge sector and largely dependent on
primary industries where value added is minimal.
Poverty, corruption and political unrest
The wide spread poverty, corruption and political unrest have made the region less competitive.
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