The South Asian Free Trade Area (SAFTA) is an agreement among the eight member countries of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) to promote trade and economic cooperation. Established in 2006, SAFTA aims to reduce tariffs and trade barriers, facilitating easier access to markets within the region. The member countries include Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. SAFTA encourages economic integration by allowing member countries to trade goods with lower tariffs, which can lead to increased economic growth and development. The agreement also aims to enhance cooperation in various sectors, including agriculture, textiles, and services, ultimately benefiting the economies of the participating nations.