SOAS Research Online

Abstract

The objective of this study is to analyse the possible economic development in the countries working together for the Regional Cooperation for Development (SCD), It embodies the study of the resource pattern, which would further the economic development of the participating countries. The investigation has been mainly directed towards the possible ways of exploiting to a maximum the various resources of the region, on a joint basis. It has for example been found during the course of study that the deficiencies of certain resources in one country could be made up by the other member countries. This possibility of mutual exchange makes the region as a whole appear much richer in resources than the individual countries. In order to comprehend the magnitude of the task involved, and to visualise ways and means of implementing further development of the countries and the region consistent with the geographical and economic factors which affect such development, the main features of the geography and economy of the regions have been examined. The first four chapters treat the geography of the three countries regarding their area, climate and cultural affinities as well as the stages of economic development reached by the participants, their industri.al set up and the historical and political setting. All these aspects have been analytically studied in the following pages, by using secondary sources. The remaining chapters deal with the degree of cooperation achieved in the first seven years of the Regional Cooperation for Development, outlining the projects implemented and approved and their impression upon to the respective participants. The study also treats the function of the R.C.D. countries with respect to military alliances to which the member countries were party and which is an assessment of the future role and significance of the Regional Cooperation for Development.