SAARC Development Fund

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SAARC Development Fund (SDF) is a regional financial institution based in Thimphu, Bhutan. It was formed on 28 April 2010 by the eight SAARC member countries: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. The SDF funds and manages projects in three areas: social development, economic development, and infrastructure.

The SDF evolved from earlier regional funds—the SAARC Fund for Regional Projects (SFRP) and the SAARC Regional Fund (SRF)—which were created in the 1990s and later merged into the South Asian Development Fund (SADF) in 1996. After reforms discussed in 2005-2006, the framework for the SDF was endorsed in 2006, the charter was signed in 2008, and a permanent SDF secretariat opened in Thimphu in 2010.

Key facts:
- Type: Multilateral development institution
- Headquarters: Thimphu, Bhutan
- Region served: South Asia
- Membership: 8 countries
- Main organ: SAARC
- Chief Drawing Officer: Sunil Motiwal
- Also known as: SAARC Development Fund Secretariat for Regional Integration

Financials and goals:
- Authorized capital (as of 2018): $1.5 billion
- Capital base: $500 million
- Target credit portfolio: about $300 million in the coming years

The SDF supports regional integration and development across its three focus areas.