Publication

This brief discusses the evolution of economic integration in South Asia and focuses particularly on the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC). The author reviews SAARC's history and expansion, and singles out some of SAARC's problematic issues and milestones. The author calls for regional integration and a greater reliance on supranational institutions, especially in the trade sector where national barriers impede economic growth. Political will is emphasized as the chief impediment to progress.