A framework agreement for cooperation between SAARC and Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific ESCAP was signed in February 1994. The agreement provides for cooperation on development issues through joint studies workshops and seminars and exchange of information and documentation in poverty alleviation human resource development trade promotion foreign direct investment, environmental protection and prevention of drug trafficking infrastructure development, etc. Since then, there has been regular interaction between the SAARC and ESCAP both bilaterally and under the aegis of the consultative meetings of the executive heads of sub regional organisations in Asia and the Pacific and ESCAP.