The Dhaka Agreement: A Landmark Accord for South Asian Regional Cooperation
The Dhaka Agreement, also known as the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), is a landmark accord signed among the seven South Asian countries in 1985. The agreement is a symbol of cooperation and collaboration between the South Asian nations and aims to promote economic growth, social progress, and cultural development in the region.
The Dhaka Agreement was signed on December 8, 1985, in Dhaka, Bangladesh, by the heads of the seven South Asian nations: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, and Pakistan. The agreement established SAARC, an intergovernmental organization that promotes regional cooperation in various fields such as trade, investment, energy, agriculture, transportation, and culture.
The primary objectives of the SAARC, as outlined in the Dhaka Agreement, are to accelerate the economic growth, social progress, and cultural development of the South Asian region. It aims to strengthen mutual cooperation and understanding among the member countries and to promote peace and stability in the region. The agreement also stresses the importance of promoting regional trade and investment to reduce poverty and improve the standard of living for the people in the region.
The SAARC has established various mechanisms to achieve its objectives, such as the SAARC Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the SAARC Development Fund, and the SAARC Regional Centers. These centers focus on areas of cooperation such as agriculture, energy, health, and disaster management.
Over the years, the SAARC has achieved significant progress in various fields of cooperation. For example, in the area of trade, the SAARC member countries have reduced tariff and non-tariff barriers, established a free trade area, and signed trade agreements with each other. In the field of energy, the SAARC has launched various projects to promote the use of renewable energy sources in the region.
The SAARC has also played a vital role in improving the regional transport and connectivity infrastructure. It has launched several programs and initiatives to enhance road, rail, air, and sea connectivity within the region. The SAARC has also established the SAARC visa exemption scheme, which allows business people, government officials, and tourists to travel visa-free within the region.
In conclusion, the Dhaka Agreement and the SAARC have been crucial in establishing South Asia as a regional bloc and promoting cooperation and collaboration among the member countries. The SAARC has achieved significant progress in various fields of cooperation, but there is still much to be done to achieve the objectives outlined in the Dhaka Agreement. However, with continued efforts and commitment from the member countries, the SAARC can play a vital role in promoting economic growth, social progress, and cultural development in the region.