SAARC is the acronym for South Asian Association of Regional Cooperation. This is an intergovernmental organization among some countries in South Asia. The association was formed in December 1985 by the head of States of Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, Maldives, Bangladesh and India . with an objective and vision to promote economical development and regional integration, another reason for the creation of the organization is to boost and bring about cultural development in the region.
In 2006, the South Asian Association of Regional Cooperation 'SAARC' established the South Asian Free Trade Area. This is intended to improve the economic activities in their region and to create more opportunities for their people. The association originally started with seven countries, Nepal, Bhutan, Maldives, Bangladesh, India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka but in 2007, Afghanistan joined the cooperation which simply means the South Asian Association of Regional Cooperation now has eight members.