ABSTRACT
South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) leaders understands the value of economic growth in the region because economic activities are likely to produce income-generating activities for tens of thousands of their people. Economic development on this scale is likely to contribute to the human development endeavours of SAARC. Economic growth is not merely limited to state-centric measures, such as industrialisation and foreign direct investment (FDI) because states also benefit through trade at bilateral, sub-regional, regional and global levels. It is important to mention that the scope of the chapter is limited to the analysis of the role of SAARC in promoting economic integration in South Asia through trade-related agreements and measures. As the focus is on implementation, there is limited focus on energy trade and on trade in services because of SAARC's insignificant progress in these areas.
