The principal objective of this book is to explore the potential for enhancing trade and commercial relations between India and the neighbouring South Asian countries for tapping untapped potential of two-way agri-products trade in areas of their comparative advantage. It analyses the voluminous data by using various statistical tools to examine the pattern of comparative advantage of South Asian countries. These countries grouped themselves under the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC). With the help of the analytical tools, this study arrives at definite conclusions and lists policy implications for expanding intra- regional trade as well as extra-regional trade in agricultural products. The book spells out the requirements for setting up institutional mechanisms for further mutual cooperation at various levels such as; production; food security; trade; and investment in the SAARC countries for trade expansion. The book provides detailed analysis on identification of new business opportunities in intra-regional trade and trade generating joint ventures to explore wider agri-business opportunities at mutually advantageous terms in South Asia. The identification of potential country (ies); sectors; and agricultural food products where intra SAARC trade could be incrementally accelerated is undertaken on the basis of estimated comparative advantage (or disadvantage); competitive advantage; intra-industry trade and degree of complementarities in the trade structure of the South Asian countries. The impact of trade liberalization under South Asian Preferential Agreement (SAPTA) I and II in agri-food products is assessed on the basis of (i) product-by-product and (ii) sectoral approaches. This study also explores ways and means which could further lead to the establishment of a full fledged SAARC Free Trade Area (SAFTA). "It is hoped that this book will be found useful to the researchers and the policy makers for designing fresh policies in the agri-business in the South Asian region and elsewhere. It should also provide some useful inputs to the entrepreneurs in formulating strategies for expanding their markets relating to international trade in agricultural products.
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