KARACHI – Pakistan government would extend all possible support andfacilitation to the ECO member countries for making this block as a strongeconomic corridor of the world. ” Here, I am speaking on behalf of my PrimeMinister Imran Khan, Governor Sindh Imran Ismail said.
I assure you, the Prime Minister is committed to make every effort for theunity and prosperity of Muslim Umah,” the Governor said while addressingthe delegates from Economic Cooperation Organisation (ECO) countriesattending 27th Executive Committee meeting of ECO-Chamber of Commerce andIndustry, here at Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry(FPCCI).
He urged for developing significant trade and investment ties,technologicaltransfers among ECO member countries.
The ECO counties , as an economic block, through a combined strategy wouldeasily meet the figure of European Union trade. In this present global era,becoming economically strong was a must for the strong defense.
He said that Pakistan was ready to give tax discounts, and many otherincentives and facilities for the promotion of trade and investment amongthe ECO countries.
The Governor said that trade has been a major driver of the economicdevelopment and private sector has always assumed leading role in boostingeconomic activities in national, regional and global economies.
He stated that ECO Countries possesses huge natural and human resources andtheir joint potentials are more than the European countries.
He invited all the member countries for joint ventures investments inPakistan and expansion of trade with Pakistan.
The 27th Executive Committee meeting of ECO Chambers of Commerce andIndustry (ECO-CCI)’s inaugural session was also attended President ECO-CCI,Azarakhsh Haifizi, President FPCCI Engr. Daroo Khan Achakazai and VicePresident Turkish Chamber of Commerce and Industry (TOBB) Selcuk Ozturk,the representatives of the member chambers of commerce and industry, andtrade mission of ECO countries.
Welcoming the delegates, President FPCCI, Engr. Daroo Khan Achkazaiemphasized on promotion of mutual trade and investment among the ECOcountries. He also highlighted intra ECO tariff and non-tariff relatedissues and their contribution in regional trade.
He said the member countries of the ECO still relied heavily onindustrialized economies for their exports and imports.
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He stressed on the implementation of ECO Trade Agreement (ECOTA) and ECOVisa and White Card Scheme for protection and promotion of investment.
President ECO-CCI, Azarakhsh Haifizi emphasized on developing unity amongmember countries for enhancing trade and other ties.
He also urged for barter and cross-border trade relations among thecountries.
Vice President TOBB, Selcuk Ozturk stressed on the importance of theratification and implementation of ECOTA to increase the respectivecountries wealth , intra-regional trade and consequently their share in theworld trade. He also underlined the importance to remove the barriers totrade and enhancement of intra-regional cooperation to increase the levelof trade.
He stated that the global order has been going through a drastic changewhere almost all of the economic and political developments are beingshaped around the ECO region in this aspect, he stressed upon theimportance of evaluating this process of change and increasing ourcooperation in order to benefit from it.
Iranian Representative said the ECO member states were of such verysignificant characteristics in terms of rich natural and human resourcescan expand their collaborations in all areas. He underlined the need toincrease cooperation in health, tourism, education and energy sectors.
He said that lack of bilateral Preferential Trade Agreements (PTAs) amongthe member states as well as non-implementation of the ECO Trade Agreement(ECOTA) were the major reasons for the low intra ECO trade.
Prior to the Executive Committee meeting, the Specialized committee meetingof trade facilitation and Industry, Investment and SMEs promotion was heldwherein the ECO investment conference, promotion of halal Industry,harmonization of visa regime, problems related to SMEs, promotion of bartertrade and opening of border gates, implementation of ECO trade transitagreement, holding of ECO trade facilitation agreement, ECO trade fairswere discussed in detail.
The reports of the Specialized Committee meeting were also adopted and itwas decided that the next Statutory and Specialized Committee meetings ofECO-CCI will be held at Turkmenistan.
