South Asia

For more than 40 years the Friedrich-Naumann-Stiftung für die Freiheit has been cooperating with partners in South Asia. At present, it has offices in India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka, but through its regional projects the Foundation reaches out to all countries of the South Asian Association for regional Cooperation (SAARC). The Regional Office is based in New Delhi from where not only the Indian, but also the cross-national regional projects are implemented.

In South Asia, the Foundation stands for liberal democracy, rule of law and human rights, as well as economic freedom. It gives liberalism a voice and connects liberal networks, strengthens liberals in political parties and reaches out to the people through events and workshops, publications and campaigns. The four priorities of FNF in South Asia are:

1. Regional integration and conflict management
2. Rule of law, human and civil rights
3. Liberal democracy and good governance
4. Market economy and economic freedom

These goals can only be achieved by working closely together with partners: Liberal decision-makers from NGOs, associations and political parties, think tanks and representatives of business and industry who are committed to more liberalisation. FNF promotes economic freedom by cooperating with the SAARC Chamber of Commerce and Industry or through the publication of the Economic Freedom Report. The Foundation works together with human rights and civil rights organisations to combat state power abuses. Along with think tanks and networks, FNF discusses liberal policies and circulates their documentation.

The Foundation also lays emphasis on building networks of its partners with each other within the project country and in the region South Asia, hence supporting the establishment of different liberal networks.