Which of the following statements about South Asian Regional Standards Organization (SARSO) is/are correct?
1) SARSO began functioning in 1985 to regulate tariffs and pricing in SAARC.
2) SARSO aims to harmonize standards and conformity assessments to boost intra-SAARC trade and global access.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: B
Explanation
Answer: Only 2.
Explanation:
The South Asian Regional Standards Organization (SARSO) is a specialized body of SAARC.
Statement 1 is incorrect: The South Asian Regional Standards Organization did not commence operations in 1985. While SAARC was established in 1985, the Agreement on the Establishment of the South Asian Regional Standards Organization was concluded in 2008 during the 15th SAARC Summit, and it officially began its operations from Dhaka, Bangladesh, on August 25, 2011. Furthermore, its primary function is not to regulate tariffs or pricing.
Statement 2 is correct: The main objective of the South Asian Regional Standards Organization is to harmonize standards and conformity assessment procedures among member countries. Its goal is to eliminate technical barriers to trade, facilitate regional commerce, and enhance the access of South Asian products to the global market.
Additional Points:
Headquarters: The Secretariat of the South Asian Regional Standards Organization is located in Dhaka, Bangladesh.
Member Countries: It comprises all 8 member countries of SAARC: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.
Functions: It promotes cooperation in the fields of product standards, quality control, and metrology.
Potential Exam Questions and Answers:
Question: In which city is the Secretariat of the South Asian Regional Standards Organization located?
Answer: Dhaka, Bangladesh.
Question: In which year did the South Asian Free Trade Area (SAFTA) come into force?
Answer: January 1, 2006.