The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) is an organization of South Asian nations, founded in 1985. Its member states are Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, the Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. The organization promotes economic and cultural cooperation among its member states.
Nepal is a founding member of SAARC and has played an active role in the organization. The SAARC Secretariat, which coordinates the activities of the organization, is located in Kathmandu, Nepal. SAARC has helped Nepal to improve its relations with other countries in the region and to participate in regional economic and cultural activities. Some of the key areas of cooperation within SAARC include trade, transportation, energy, and environmental protection.