South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) is the only regional organization for cooperation in South Asia, which was established by Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka on 8th December 1985.

SAARC’s aim is to promote the welfare and improve the living standard of the people of south Asia, by accelerating the economic growth, social progress and cultural development in member states. It also works in strengthening the relations between the countries of the region and work together with people in the region in a friendly environment with trust and understanding to achieve their goals.

To promote trade in the region, SAARC has implemented the South Asia Free Trade Agreement (SAFTA), which went in to force on 1st January 2006.

Although SAARC started its journey with 7 member states, a new country, Afghanistan joined them on April 2007 making it 8 member states working together.