South Asia Association of Regional Cooperation (SAARC)
With the revolution in the ICT sector in the world over, the issue of telecommunication has received due prominence in the SAARC process. It has been realized that inadequate communications facilities amongst the Member States posed a major hindrance to closer economic cooperation. The head of member states agreed on specific steps to further promote cooperation on Telecommunications among Member States on a sustained basis and adopted a Plan of Action on Telecommunications. Initiatives have been taken to develop infrastructure and adequate communications networks among Member States to reinforce the process of economic cooperation. High level Working Groups have also been established to strengthen cooperation in the areas of Information and Communications Technology. A comprehensive strategy for cooperation to facilitate the enhancement and expansion of telecommunications facilities in the SAARC region have been agreed upon by the SAARC Communications Ministers and a Revised SAARC Plan of Action on Telecommunications – 2004 was adopted with the following objectives:
To promote cooperation in the enhancement of telecommunication links and utilization of information technologies within the SAARC region;
To minimize disparities within and among Member States in the telecommunications field;
To harness telecommunication technology for the social and economic upliftment of the region through infrastructure development by optimal sharing of available resources and enhanced cooperation in technology transfer, standardization and human resource development; and
To evolve a coordinated approach on issues of common concern in international telecommunications forum.
SAARC Secretary-General and Executive Director of Asia Pacific Telecommunity (APT) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on February 4 1994, which envisages cooperation between the two organizations to promote the growth of telecommunications in order to accelerate economic and social development in the region. SAARC and APT will exchange information, publications and documents on their respective activities in this field. They will exchange technical and operational details of plans for improvement of national, regional and international telecommunications network. Collaboration is also envisaged in planning and development of networks, transfer of technology, promoting international standards, development of human resources and application of telecommunications in sectors such as health, education, environment, transport, and tourism.
