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With all the regal arrangements and the unprecedented tightening of the security, what does Saarc strive to achieve? What does Saarc has to offer to the common people of this vast region that is home to half of the world's poor? Now that Saarc has entered into its third decade, experts feel that it is time for the leaders of the region to turn it into a viable platform of economic change. While some express doubts over Saarc being a vehicle of change, many are of the opinion that it has the potential to bring about a qualitative change in the region by increasing economic activities among the nations. Although it was officially launched as a political forum, it is the economic cooperation among the nations that has now become the focal point. In the face of argument that Saarc has failed to benefit the common people so far, in its third decade hope is running high. Though political mistrust still ails the region, the 13th Saarc Summit ended with a strong note of optimism expressed by the heads of the states to resolve differences. In the backdrop of future cooperation among the seven countries of the region that many envisage SWM talks to expert to shed light on the expectations and realties from the summit.

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