Publication

This background brief discusses the state and development of regional trade integration in South Asia with a focus on the role of India. The brief reviews the sluggish advance of regional trade integration in South Asia and argues that India is more interested in integration with the East Asian region. According to the author, preferential trading agreements are mostly influenced by strategic and geopolitical motives. The author argues that trade is to be used as a engine to bring about economic growth and development in South Asia.