The South Asian nations have progressively liberalized their economies in recent years in an effort to integrate with the world economy. They have also taken steps to increase regional economic integration under the aegis of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC). Even though the South Asian economies have grown at an average rate of more than 5 per cent over the last 20 years, roughly 40 per cent of their people still live below the poverty line. Hence, the South Asian region continues to face many challenges of economic and social development. The South Asia Economic Journal is designed as a forum for informed debate on these issues, which are of vital importance to the people of the region who comprise one-sixth of the world’s population. The peer-reviewed journal is devoted to economic analysis and policy options aimed at promoting cooperation among the countries comprising South Asia. It will also discuss South Asia’s position on global economic issues, its relations with other regional groupings and its response to global developments. A refereed journal, South Asia Economic Journal will carry articles by scholars, economic commentators, policy-makers and officials, and from both the private and public sectors. Among the issues that will be debated in relation to South Asia are: – The implications of global economic trends; – The issues and challenges thrown up by WTO; – Approaches to industrialization and development; – The role of regional institutions such as the SAARC and the Asian Clearing Union; – The relationship between SAARC and other regional economic groupings such as ASEAN; – The implications of economic liberalization for trade in the region; – New initiatives that can be launched to enhance economic cooperation among the South Asian nations both on a bilateral and a regional basis. Among its regular features will be book reviews and a documentation section which will carry the text of important SAARC related documents. Special issues are also planned on specific themes.