Saleem M. Khan

South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation1 2 3 4

Abstract This review essay on SAARC is based on two sets of SAARC publications and selected reference materials on economic integration in South Asia. The first set of publications—SARC to SAARC, SAARC Documents and SAARC Summits—are the proceedings of the meetings and summits. These also include declarations of the Summits and Reports by the Secretary General. The second set of publications—SAARC Newsletter—reports news, meetings and SAARC initiatives. Outside references have been utilized to make the essay a fairly exhaustive reading. Overall, the essay is a description of SAARC objectives, principles and economic programs. A blueprint of intra-regional industrial projects, export zones and economic institutions is also proposed.

Asian economic integration: a perspective on South Asia

Abstract This paper argues in favor of open regionalism and continent-based integration in Asia. These are the effective instruments of outward-oriented development. The enlargement of trading blocs into continent-based integration also serves as a countervailing power to stem the excesses of economic globalism. The case made in the paper shows the need for institutional changes for promoting economic development. Institutional changes along with open regionalism are essential to enhancing outward-oriented development in South Asia. Respectable progress has been made in these areas across the continents in general, and in Asia in particular (ASEAN, SAARC, APEC). Efforts on these initiatives must be redoubled as we start the 21st century.

Book Review EssaySouth Asian Association for Regional Cooperation1 2 3 4

Abstract This review essay on SAARC is based on two sets of SAARC publications and selected reference materials on economic integration in South Asia. The first set of publications—SARC to SAARC, SAARC Documents and SAARC Summits—are the proceedings of the meetings and summits. These also include declarations of the Summits and Reports by the Secretary General. The second set of publications—SAARC Newsletter—reports news, meetings and SAARC initiatives. Outside references have been utilized to make the essay a fairly exhaustive reading. Overall, the essay is a description of SAARC objectives, principles and economic programs. A blueprint of intra-regional industrial projects, export zones and economic institutions is also proposed.

South Asia: Free trade area and trade liberalization

Abstract The papers focus is on the current policies of open regionalism and trade liberalization in South Asia. Amidst global economic transformation, the formulation and implementation of these policies are challenging tasks for all economies in the region. The theoretical as well as practical arguments of trade creation and coordinated trade liberalization, along with recent economic gains made from these policies, support the economic initiatives taken by South Asian leaders. The establishment of the South Asian Preferential Trade Agreement (SAPTA) and its eventual promotion to SAFTA, along with the renewed interest in trade liberalization and enhanced investment, have opened up a new range of challenges and opportunities in the region. The need for building economic institutions to facilitate regional development is a critical factor. ( JEL : F02, F12, F13, F14, O.53)