Islamabad, 10 Oct 2023:Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani, representing Pakistan at the Twenty-Seventh ECO Council of Ministers meeting in Shusha, Azerbaijan, underlined the importance of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) for promoting regional growth, development, and collective progress within the member states. Throughout the meeting, discussions revolved around various subjects, including augmenting intra-regional trade, fortifying regional connectivity, and the role of the ECO in global peace, stability, and prosperity, according to a statement released by the Government of the Republic of Azerbaijan.
During his statement, Mr. Jilani commended the efforts of the current Chair of ECO, H.E. Mr. Jeyhun Bayramov, Foreign Minister of the Republic of Azerbaijan, and expressed gratitude for the warm hospitality extended to his delegation. He also acknowledged the successful leadership of ECO Secretary General H.E. Ambassador Khusrav Noziri.
Jilani underscored Pakistan’s dedication to the ECO, recognizing its potential to cultivate a brighter future for succeeding generations amidst a swiftly altering geopolitical order. The Foreign Minister pointed out the ECO region’s current limited share in global trade, which stands at about 2%, with intra-regional trade accounting for less than 8% of the region’s total trade, emphasizing the need for determined efforts to bolster regional trade integration.
Recalling the “ECO Vision 2025,” adopted during the 13th ECO Summit in Islamabad, Jilani highlighted its roadmap towards enhancing intra-regional trade, strengthening regional connectivity, operationalizing major ECO transport corridors, coordinating efforts for energy security, and increasing ECO countries’ contribution in global trade, among other objectives.
Furthermore, the Foreign Minister mentioned the ECO Trade Agreement (ECOTA), which aims to lower tariffs in the region over an agreed timeframe, thereby fostering transit and trade activity. He urged all Member States to prioritize its early operationalization to unleash the true potential of improved economic interaction and trade linkages within the region.
The geo-political significance of the ECO region, which historically encompasses the Silk Route, was also highlighted, with an emphasis on the key to unlocking the geo-economic potential of the ECO region being connectivity. This, according to Jilani, can be achieved by the development of road and rail projects, liberalization of visa regimes, and simplification of border procedures.
A section of the statement addressed the urgency of tackling global warming and climate challenges. Acknowledging Azerbaijan’s designation of 2025 as the ‘Year of Green Transition and Interconnectivity,’ Jilani called for a well-funded, strategically robust mechanism within the region to address emergent environmental issues and transition towards a green economy.
Regarding Afghanistan, the Foreign Minister acknowledged the improvements in the security situation and governance by the Interim Afghan Government but noted that progress in addressing international concerns regarding inclusivity and countering terrorist organizations had been limited. He underscored the ECO’s critical role in leveraging connectivity for economic revival and growth in Afghanistan.
In concluding, Mr. Jilani reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to the ECO and to its vision for the collective progress and prosperity of the people of the region, emphasizing the need for peace, development, harmony, and respect for cultural and civilizational diversity worldwide.