SAARC: Time to deliver

Thursday, 10 November 2011 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

THE South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation better known as SAARC has had a dubious record for talking much and doing little. While other trade and political organisations in the world, such as the European Union, leaped ahead to promote cooperation between their member countries, SAARC has been mired for decades in mistrust. So what significance does the 17th SAARC Summit, due to start in the Maldives tomorrow, have for the most populous region in the world?

The question has often been asked but in the modern context, its importance has changed. As the West struggles to recuperate in a trying financial situation the onus of economic and by extension political emphasis has drifted east. It is significant that both the US and China are sending delegates to monitor this SAARC summit and there are increasing indications that the regional body can put their past track record behind them.

India has consistently been the force to reckon with in the SAARC region. However with the end of the three decade conflict Sri Lanka is also coming into its own. The backing of the Chinese in the south Asian region has added a new dimension with India feeling its influence being counterbalanced to a certain extent. The economic rejuvenation can spread to other Asian nations as well and Maldives is one example of a country that has managed to do well by tapping into its natural assets.

With so many opportunities for stronger political and trade ties it is time for SAARC to focus on small goals and enhance cooperation so that as a group of countries it can make an impact in the world. With the exception of India, most other nations are struggling with internal political divisions and poverty, two aspects that go hand in hand to destabilise the entire region. Moreover, as a regional body that holds about one fifth of the world’s entire population, there is grave need to move on food and energy security as well as improving basic rights of gender, education, housing and health.

On the side of trade loosening customs barriers, double taxation and visa rules, especially for tourism is one way for the region to capitalise on their population. There is a large market to be tapped in India and stronger trade relations between it and other countries can work to the benefit of SAARC.

This would also be a good foundation for specialisation and exports to the rest of the world at a later stage.

What expertise can they contribute to developing the standard of living for other countries? Sri Lanka’s portfolio might include counter-terrorism, food and energy security. India’s can be industrialisation and Maldives green tourism, the options are endless. With economic power moving to the east, it is time for South Asia to take its place as a region that acts more than its talks.

As regional leaders including President Mahinda Rajapaksa land in Addu Village where the summit is to be held it is time to ask not what SAARC can do for them but what they can do for SAARC.