Deferred twice, first because of the Tsunami and second because of security concerns expressed by the PMO of India, this summit started off on a different note. Shaheed President Zia-ur Rahman who originally mooted the idea of a south Asian regional body in 1980, was awarded posthumously the first "SAARC Gold Medal" for his "statesmanship and vision in promoting the idea of an institutionalized regional cooperation". This definitely has set a precedent and will inspire other leaders to contribute better towards regional amity and prosperity.

Intangibles: The Bangla China Friendship Conference Center (BCFCC) in Dhaka, the venue for the summit, was mute witness to a lot of rhetoric about regional cooperation in alleviating poverty, boosting trade, increasing investment and combating terrorism.

There was no departure from the glorious tradition of 'talking the talk'. So far, according to the admissions of the member leaders, this SAARC has been a toothless force, unlike the predator that has awe-inspiring set of teeth. The effectiveness of the forum has been lost under the pile of pledges with precious little accomplished in the past 20 years. Nothing tangible has percolated down to anybody since its inception. To the average denizen, SAARC is inconsequential except for some images from TV where neatly suited and suave leaders shake hands, grin and pose for the press.

Wars, perpetuation of terrorist activities across the boarders, dispute over sharing river water and mutual distrust in trade continue unabated. The mere establishment of a secretariat in Kathmandu hasn't helped much. Astute thinkers have begun wondering whether SAARC is an exercise in futility and rightly so. Inertia of implementation, lack of cohesive action and paucity of political will is what the forum has been characterized by.

Walking the talk: But the zeal and pragmatism exuded by the member leaders, promise action this time, that has been lacking till now. Unlike the past summits this one doesn't seem to be limited to rhetoric. The 13th summit was marked by the keenness of the participating states to make it utile.

Verbosity and geniality apart, the seven member countries signed agreements pertaining to avoidance of double taxation, mutual administrative assistance in matters relating to tax and customs and the establishment of an Arbitration Council. All the necessary background work was completed. The leaders have committed to do whatever it requires to implement SAFTA ( South Asian Free Trade Agreement ) and make it effective from January 2006.

The buzzword this time was – expedite. It's not that, having run out of platitudes, the heads of states ultimately stuck to the word as it would give some semblance of purpose to the otherwise defunct forum.

It was made emphatically clear that SAFTA, which was introduced in Islamabad - at the 12th summit, has to be brought into force from 1st January 2006 as well as the contentious issues that are unresolved, have to be fixed by the end of November/ beginning of December.

The Sensitive Lists of products, Rules of Origin, Technical Assistance as well as a Mechanism for Compensation of Revenue Loss for Least Developed Member States are these issues under negotiation. The Council of Ministers was called upon to convene a Meeting of Experts (nominated by each Member State) to undertake a detailed Study and present a report to the next Council of Ministers. The current Chairman of the Council of Ministers is to prepare within the next fifteen days, a draft Terms of reference for the study to be approved, if necessary by Tele-conferencing with the Finance ministers. Finally the three spiky issues would be sorted out by the SAFTA Committee of Experts (CoE), from November 29 to December 5 to make the free trade agreement a reality. This is definitely concrete; there is nothing wishy-washy about it. The free trade zone is no longer a utopia.

Among other things, a fund for alleviation of poverty SPAF (SAARC Poverty Alleviation Fund) was established. The operational modalities of that shall be decided by the Finance and Planning ministers of the member states.

Difficulties tests true friendship. The leaders seem to have passed this one. They decided to coordinate and cooperate better in disaster management. Expressing concern over the incalculable damage done by the devastating earthquake and Tsunami in South Asia, they approved the decision of the Special Session of SAARC Environment Ministers to enhance capacity of SAARC Meteorological research and coastal zone management centres to carry out their mandatory tasks. A comprehensive early disaster warning system for the region was sought.

The call for early and effective implementation of the Additional Protocol to the SAARC Convention on Suppression of Terrorism was a perceptible move. But the double standard about the, "not tolerating double standards in tackling terrorism" was amusing.

The Impact: The imperativeness of SAFTA is underscored by the success of similar blocs like EU, NAFTA, and ASEAN. The volume of trade among SAARC countries is languishing below 4% of the total trade in comparison to that of 22% of AFTA and 65% in the case of EU. The necessity of a trade free zone is accentuated by the fact that Mexico has experienced 200% growth in its exports to US and Canada after joining NAFTA. It could benefit the workers and consumers on both the sides as evidenced by Chile. Its exports to US shot up to $4.73 in 2004 from $3.71 in 2003 within one year of free trade arrangement. Studies also point out that a 160% growth is possible in the event of such collaboration.

Invigorated by the implementation of SAFTA this south Asian bloc is going to become vibrant and robust. The non-least-developed countries – India, Pakistan and SriLanka have to cut down tariffs to 20% and the least developed countries to 30% by 2006. Such reductions in tariffs and para-tariffs are going to boost trade, generate more employment and reduce poverty. Simply put it would make the lives of average Jai, Jayawardene, Zia and Zigme better off, financially.

Efforts to improve economic ties remain incomplete in the absence of proper transport system. The proposed SAARC car rally could crystalize in better road connectivity. If it can be supplemented by an open air policy as envisaged by India, the region would become akin to EU. Promptly linking to Kashmir, Pakistan attempts to scuttle any proposal by India in most international foras. This attempt too met the same response from the Pakistan Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz. The joining of Afghanistan as a new member, provided that it completes the necessary formalities doesn't offer much to cheer. Torn by war and saddled by an impoverished economy, Afghanistan can only offer some assistance in tackling the twin scourges – terrorism and illegal drug trafficking. More then that the entry of Afghanistan whistled off a different ball game. The way King Gyanendra of Nepal played the Afghan card, tagging it to China's observer status, heralds an unhealthy entry of regional politics played in a conclave primarily intended for amity and greater regional cooperation. China proved too strong even in absence. The signal was clear to India – South Asia is no longer it's backyard. The big brother title is lost.

The interest evinced by Japan and China to join SAARC as "observers" now and later as members will change the economical and political dynamics of the region radically. The forum carrying the aspirations of 2.5 billion people will represent a formidable force to the world outside. Within, it might breed dispensable politics. Good natured, friendly neighborhood gestures might get replaced by arm twisting and compelling tactics. The minnows are going to enjoy immensely by latching unto the biggies in case of disputatious issues. Minor politics, however, cannot diminish the benefits that would accrue to the member states by forging new ties with two economic power houses.

The Twist: The summit ended on a highly positive note, if the opinion of Riaz, a rickshaw-puller in Dhaka, is discounted. Forced to dip into his savings, by losing 300 takas per day as a result of traffic regulations to accommodate VIP motorcades, he feels that this summit was of no good to anybody. Humor apart and assessed dispassionately, SAARC conclave charted a different route to meet the aspirations of the region. It provided a fillip to actualize the brilliant plans that are already in place. Two decades of talk is now poised to morph in to reality.

Having said that this summit was characterized by a discernible emphasis on action, SAARC has a reputation of failure to meet deadlines. Once the euphoria induced by the august gathering wears off, delegates shift focus and apathy sets in. A delay could nullify positives in the event of WTO or any such body lowering the tariff rates. In the absence of consensus on many issues it might be difficult to implement SAFTA and other plans. Undoubtedly, the success of the summit hinges on how well the policies and plans are translated in to action and how fast.