A study of Indias trade relations with SAARC countries under SAFTA

Abstract

The present study is an attempt to fill existing gaps in the literature by making a comprehensive examination of the relative contribution of SAFTA in enhancing intra-regional trade among SAARC countries. It analysed pre and post-SAFTA intra-regional trade trends, patterns and total trade among the SAARC nations with the help of Augmented Gravity Model using STATA Software on a panel data. Thus, the findings of this study show that intra-regional trade volumes between SAARC nations can be increased and encouraged. It is important to undertake structural reforms so that trade with non-member countries can also be boosted. newline