A Framework Agreement for cooperation
between SAARC and the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the
Pacific (ESCAP) was signed in February 1994.
The Agreement provides for cooperation on development issues through
joint studies, workshops and seminars and exchange of information and
documentation in poverty alleviation, human resources development, trade
promotion, foreign direct investment, environmental protection, prevention
of drug trafficking and infrastructure development.
There has been interaction between the SAARC and ESCAP both bilaterally
and under the aegis of the Consultative Meetings of the Executive Heads
of Sub-regional Organisations in Asia and the Pacific and ESCAP, most
recently in Vanuatu in October, 2001.