Explain the following statement with reasons: SAARC has achieved success in some fields.

Answer: The statement is true.

• SAARC, formed in 1985 by the South Asian countries, promotes cooperation in economic, social and cultural fields.
• In trade it brought SAPTA (1995) and the South Asian Free Trade Area (SAFTA, 2006), which reduced customs duties among members.
• It set up the SAARC Food Bank, the South Asian University at New Delhi and cooperation in agriculture, health, education and disaster management.
• The SAARC visa exemption scheme, the South Asian Games and cultural exchanges brought people closer, though political disputes have limited its success in other fields.