TEHRAN The Secretary General of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO), Asad Majeed Khan, has urged member states to restore historical connections along the ancient Silk Road and transform the area into a global air transport hub.Speaking at an interview in Tehran following the ECO Council of Ministers meeting, he highlighted the organizations development and future ambitions.
ECO has actually expanded from three member nations in 1992 to ten today.
This year marks the 32nd anniversary of its development, Majeed Khan stated.
He noted that Iran's hosting of the conference was significant, as it was the very first time because 2013 that the nation had held this gathering.Strategic vision for future Majeed Khan detailed prepare for the coming year, consisting of a meeting in Kazakhstan under the theme Advancing Regional Transportation Economy and Sustainable Development.With the ECO Vision 2025 nearing its conclusion, he stressed the need to define brand-new goals for the next years.
Reforms are important to increase our impact in the region and line up with international changes, he stated.
The ECO Secretariat has actually been tasked with establishing a brand-new roadmap, with a high-level brainstorming session set up for February 2024.
Majeed Khan revealed concerns over low intra-ECO trade, which accounts for simply $82 billion of the areas $1.06 trillion in international trade.
This is far from satisfactory, he said, highlighting the requirement to attend to payment system obstacles and secure funding for facilities projects, particularly in rail transport.
He also highlighted the value of broadening transit passages, balancing tariffs, and assisting in visas for traders and travelers.
We must revive historic ties through the Silk Road and develop seamless rail and air networks, he stated, adding that discussions are underway to develop visa-free travel arrangements among member states.
Dealing with environment modification and promoting cultural initiatives ECO members deal with substantial climate modification vulnerabilities.
Majeed Khan pointed to recent accomplishments, such as Azerbaijan hosting COP29 and developing a tidy energy center in Baku.We objective to shift from fossil fuels to green energy and promote a circular economy throughout the area, he stated.
ECO has released several initiatives to improve local tourist, including designating Tourism Capitals, appointing Tourism Ambassadors, and creating a virtual tourism portal.
Majeed Khan underscored the importance of tourist as a motorist of financial development and cultural connection.
Regional stability and humanitarian issues Addressing Afghanistan, Majeed Khan declared ECOs commitment to supporting stability and welfare in the country.He likewise stressed the importance of resolving the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, calling for a ceasefire and global help.
Furthermore, the Council of Ministers condemned unilateral sanctions on ECO member states, describing them as unjustified and in offense of global principles.
Majeed Khan highlighted ECOs growing cooperation with worldwide companies such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and BRICS, noting substantial overlap between their memberships.
ECO also functions as an observer in the United Nations and CICA.
ECO is a bridge among countries, promoting connectivity and cooperation throughout trade, transportation, tidy energy, and other sectors, Majeed Khan concluded.