South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation - SAARC - has taken a confident step in its latest annual celebration meet. Major theme of this meet was ‘connectivity’.

SAARC was established in the year of 1985, with an idea of promoting multilateral ambiance of cooperation among Southeast Asian countries. Currently member countries are Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

Albeit the actual purpose, from the beginning only, the multilateral body remained stuck in various bilateral issues; major being the political tension between India and Pakistan. And such concerns ever overshadowed the holy idea behind SAARC.

For the first time, the organization has, at least to some extent, succeeded in traveling on its actual route. For the first time it has witnessed several encouraging turnarounds.

· Following the theme, decision has been taken to encourage better geographical movement of local residents among member countries. To execute the idea visa regulation will be slackened for residents of member countries.
· Free trade has been promoted among SAARC member countries. As an initiation India has cut tariff on various items.
· Afghanistan has taken a seat in the organization for the first time.
· Delegates form EU, USA, Japan and Korea attended the meeting as observer.
· Decision has been taken to build up a South Asian University to promote exchange of academia
· Prominent hospital of each country will be connected in a network to extend medical facility in less developed regions through telemedicine.
· Iran will take an observer’s seat in SAARC next year.

These steps might look very trivial in terms of magnitude of economic potential this region holds, but even such small steps have been initiated almost after two decades since its inception and this may clarify the level of disagreement among the members.

Matter of relief is that SAARC is overcoming the hurdles but the path-ahead is immense. Ultimate destination will be economic integration and European Union like one-currency regime, and over long term, for betterment of the region, this situation is inevitable.

Via: timesofindia