The IPS has been appointed as a SAARC Consultant to undertake a study to assist the Committee of Experts on Drafting a Comprehensive Treaty Regime for a South Asian Free Trade Area (SAFTA). The study aims are as follows: to identify all tariff, para-tariff and non-tariff barriers (NTBs) and suggest measures for the achievement of a free trade area in the region; to identify discriminatory practices prevailing in SAARC Member States and their impacts on various sectors which would hinder smooth transition to a free trade area and suggest measures to address them; to suggest suitable rules of origin for SAFTA; to examine the causes and consequences of trade imbalances among the Member States and suggest measures to address them; to assess the likely impact of the introduction of free trade in South Asia and suggest measures to alleviate its negative impact, if any; to consider other issues that would expedite achievement of SAFTA by the target date.
