Islamabad (Staff Report): The 13th summit of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) will be held in Islamabad on March 1, declared Adviser on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz.
This year, the theme of the ECO Summit is “Connectivity for regional prosperity”. Aziz said that the forum will be helpful in determining the ways to improve cooperation in trade, energy, tourism, economic growth, and productivity among other things.
Most member states have confirmed their participation in the Summit.
The adviser further stated that initiatives for educational, scientific exchange and cultural exchange within the ECO member states will also be discussed during the Summit.
Aziz said, “China-Pakistan Economic Corridor is an outstanding example of the Summit's theme of connectivity. It will augment the existing and planned transit and energy corridors in ECO region for greater progress and prosperity for the people of the area.”
During the Summit, the ECO Vision 2025 is likely to be formulated and adopted by member states.
The member states are expected to determine the ways to improve cultural ties and to expand regional economic cooperation. The summit is aimed at reviewing the ECO’s state of affairs, in the light of changing global and regional circumstances.
The Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) was formed in 1985 by Pakistan, Iran, and Turkey, and now also includes Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Azerbaijan, Tajikistan, Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan, for a total of 10 member states.
