Islamabad: A significant meeting took place in Islamabad where ECO Secretary General Ambassador Khusrav Noziri and Pakistani Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan convened to deliberate on enhancing regional trade and the strategic future of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO). The discussions included proposals for boosting intra-regional trade and the potential expansion of ECO to include new member states to foster broader regional connectivity.
According to Press Information Department, the meeting emphasized the ongoing efforts and reforms within the ECO aimed at increasing its regional and global influence. Minister Jam Kamal Khan praised the outgoing Secretary General for his contributions and welcomed Ambassador Asad Majeed Khan as his successor, expecting continued progress in the organization’s endeavors. Both parties reviewed the achievements under ECO-Vision 2025 and discussed implementing a unified ECO Visa policy to simplify trade and mobility among member states, inspired by Pakistan’s visa-free policy for 126 countries.
The conversation also addressed quorum issues that have affected decision-making within ECO meetings, with solutions proposed to enhance policy formulation efficiency. Ambassador Noziri acknowledged Pakistan’s foundational and ongoing role in the ECO, highlighting its initiatives such as the rehabilitation of the Quetta-Taftan corridor which is pivotal for improving connectivity between Central and South Asia.
The meeting concluded with both leaders reiterating their commitment to strengthening ECO’s effectiveness through focused trade enhancement strategies and expanded membership to include nations like Georgia and Armenia. Minister Jam Kamal Khan expressed gratitude for Ambassador Noziri’s leadership in promoting ECO as a key regional platform for cooperation.