BANGLADESH INSTITUTE OF INTERNATIONAL AND STRATEGIC STUDIES

ECONOMIC INTEGRATION IN SOUTH ASIA

Author: Abu Salah Md. Yousuf, Mohammad Jasim Uddin

DOI Link: DOI: https://www.doi.org/10.56888/BIISSj2013v34n1a2

ABSTRACT

In theory, integrating economies of various countries means unifying their policies on trade and economy as well as reducing several barriers on the two. The motivations of such economic integration are rationalising comparative advantages and increasing economic productivity. In South Asia, economic integration continues with several setbacks, even though South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) is aimed at promoting regionalisation with a firm belief that an effective economic integration process can forward the region towards economic prosperity and development. This paper conceptualises the meaning of economic integration, discusses the factors of economic integration in South Asia and makes an endeavour to address the difficulties of economic integration in the region. The paper concludes with the argument that the outcomes attained in regards to the integration are insignificant, although there are some arrangements that could assist the progress of South Asian economic integration.