ICSE Class 8 Answered

Objectives of SAARC:

1. Promotion of social progress and cultural development
2. Increase in the pace of economic growth
3. Improvement in the quality of life of people of South Asia by increasing economic cooperation
4. Non-interference in the internal affairs of other nations

Though the cooperation was slow among the nations earlier, it has been able to make developments. These are

1. Formation of South Asian Games to promote friendship and goodwill among the member nations. It is held by them in turns. It takes place every two years.
2. Establishment of a programme called SAVE (SAARC Audio-Visual Exchange Programme) to develop a cultural link between the member nations. It was launched in 1987 to make people aware of each other’s culture and the problems and needs of the region. This programme is broadcasted on the first day of every month.
3. Signing of the South Asian Preferential Trade Agreement to facilitate and promote regional economic cooperation among member states in April 1993.
4. Signing of South Asian Free Trade Area took place in January 2004 for creation of the free trade region within South Asia.