ISLAMABAD: In a significant move to enhance regional integration and economic collaboration, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb held an important meeting with Dr. Asad Majeed, the Secretary General of the Economic Cooperation Organisation (ECO), at the Finance Division on Tuesday.

The meeting primarily focused on advancing regional economic cooperation, with discussions centered around key initiatives aimed at strengthening the role of the ECO in promoting trade, commerce, and tourism among its 10 member countries. The discussions were geared toward enhancing the organization's role as a facilitator of economic integration in the region.

According to a statement released by the Finance Division, Dr. Majeed briefed Minister Aurangzeb on the strategic role of the ECO and its potential to foster greater regional cooperation. He emphasized the importance of regional trade and connectivity, particularly as new trade corridors and emerging markets in the region begin to shape the future of economic interactions among ECO member states.

Both leaders underscored the critical role of connectivity and trade in advancing the economic development of the member countries. With the growing importance of regional partnerships, they agreed that these aspects would be pivotal in ensuring sustained economic growth and improving the standard of living for the people of the region. Dr. Majeed highlighted the progress made by the ECO since his appointment as Secretary General, especially in terms of strengthening trade and tourism links among member countries. He noted the ongoing efforts to improve cooperation in sectors such as transportation, logistics, and investment, which are vital for promoting economic activities across the region. The Secretary General also laid out a vision for making the ECO more robust and dynamic, ensuring that it continues to play a central role in facilitating trade, cooperation, and shared prosperity. He stressed the importance of mutual collaboration and enhancing institutional capacity within the ECO to drive the organization's agenda forward.

The focus on increasing regional trade flows and promoting tourism as an economic driver were also major talking points. During the meeting, Finance Minister Aurangzeb expressed his strong support for the various initiatives being pursued by the ECO and reiterated the Ministry of Finance's commitment to strengthening ties within the organization.

He assured Dr. Majeed of his full backing in advancing initiatives that aim to enhance regional trade and connectivity, particularly as new trade opportunities arise from emerging global trends. Aurangzeb emphasized the importance of ongoing engagement with the ECO, stating that Pakistan's active involvement in the organization's future initiatives would continue to be a priority. He committed to ensuring regular representation from the Ministry of Finance in upcoming discussions, particularly those related to regional trade cooperation and connectivity. He also emphasized the need for continued collaboration with the ECO Secretariat to further advance the shared economic goals of the member countries. Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening the ties between the ECO member countries. They expressed their collective desire to create a collaborative environment conducive to shared growth and development.

The meeting ended on a positive note, with both leaders expressing optimism about the future of regional economic cooperation within the framework of the ECO. Dr. Majeed's visit to Pakistan, which runs from April 8-10, is part of his ongoing efforts to engage member countries in revitalizing the ECO's objectives and ensuring that the organization continues to be a driving force for regional integration.

The visit is expected to result in further strengthening of economic and trade relations between Pakistan and other ECO member states.