Historically, regional integration in South Asia, despite best efforts, has remained relatively lackluster when compared with other regional groupings. However, new issues such as climate change and the recent global economic recession has intensified the calls for a renewed effort towards regional integration.
Through this book, and the chapters included within, the editors attempt to highlight the challenges to regional economic integration in South Asia, by examining current shortcomings and exploring potential future challenges.
The Chapters included in this book have been categorized in to the following sections: (i) Macro Perspective; (ii) Merchandize and Services Trade; (iii) Regional Connectivity and Trade Facilitation; (iv) Development Issues; (v) Drivers of Regional Cooperation; and (vi) Climate Change and Regional Cooperation.
In the first part (chapter 2), the problems and opportunities of regional economic integration are highlighted, while Part 2 (chapters 3-5) focuses on the impediments of goods and services liberalization. Part 3 (chapters 6-8) examines the issues with regard to regional connectivity and trade facilitation. Part 4 (chapters 9-10) analyses the financial inflows to South Asia in the form of remittances at a time of global turbulence and finances required for more effective integration of least developed country (LDC) members of SAARC in to the regional economic cooperation framework. Part 5 (chapters 11-12) then discusses the role of the civil society and the private sector in expediting regional economic integration. Finally, Part 6 (chapters 13-14) examines environmental good and challenges related to climate change in the region.
Reviews and Highlights in the Media
The Himalayan, 17th November, 2012
Review by Prof. Bishwambher Pyakuryal