The South Asia Economic Summit (SAES) is the pre-eminent track 1.5 initiative in South Asia which aspires to identify modalities of deepening cooperation among South Asian countries.

In the ever-changing landscape of South Asian regional dynamics, it is clear that the conventional strategies of regional cooperation are insufficient. Traditional approaches of regional cooperation of South Asia are too top-down, government-led, and too focused on economic growth and development.

Since the global financial crisis of 2008, world trade has struggled to regain momentum, and international investments have reached a plateau. The current phenomenon, often labeled as 'slowbalisation,' reflects a shift from the financial economy and hyper-globalisation to a renewed emphasis on the real economy.

Geopolitical issues and numerous conflicts worldwide are impeding the progress of multi-modal transportation in South Asia. The region is facing challenges such as inadequate governance, subpar existing infrastructure and bureaucratic hurdles.

Establishing a common currency in the South Asian region, similar to Europe, could potentially lead to greater economic integration, improved trade facilitation, and enhanced regional cooperation.

Regional integration can not only enhance energy security but also facilitate the transition towards clean energy through regional energy trade. Within South Asian countries, seasonal variations in energy demand and supply are evident.

Climate change has far-reaching impacts on our environment's physical, social, and economic aspects, affecting plants, animals, rivers, forests, and soil, among other elements.

South Asian countries are currently undergoing enhanced industrialisation, primarily driven by one or two major sectors. However, this growth is accompanied by challenges, notably national security concerns and conflicts between natives and non-natives, which impact cross-border labour migration.

South Asia faces challenges in global value chain integration due to the high trading costs, hindering its competitiveness on the global stage. The region's historical advantage of offering affordable labour and resources is diminishing, necessitating a shift towards attracting more Foreign Direct Investment (FDI).

The third plenary session of the Fourteenth South Asia Economic Summit (SAES XIV) titled ‘Geo-strategic factors underpinning contemporary trends in South Asian cooperation’ was held on 5 November, 2023

There is a longstanding tradition of collaboration among think tanks in South Asia, with coalitions forming since the 1980s. These institutions play crucial roles in promoting evidence-based policies, facilitating open dialogues, and complementing official processes to monitor progress.

South Asia has seen advancements in public health, but these improvements are notable primarily when compared to Sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in areas such as life expectancy, maternal mortality, and mortality rates.

Balancing work and personal life pose a significant challenge for women, especially who often bear an unfair share of family responsibilities as sole caregivers. This imbalance underscores the need for a shift in societal mindsets to achieve gender equality.

The Fourteenth South Asian Economic Summit (SAES XIV) concluded underscoring the significance of regional integration to foster the development of bilateral trade and tap into an extensive market potential.