Dar calls for practical measures to boost ECO trade, connectivity
At a glance
- Ishaq Dar says regional peace requires ending terrorism from Afghanistan.
- He called for the ECO to move from dialogue to practical trade measures.
- Dar highlighted the need for a digital free trade area and key connectivity projects.
Story so far
Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has reiterated Pakistan's stance that regional peace is linked to eliminating the threat of terrorism from Afghanistan. Speaking at an Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) meeting, he stated that Pakistan expects the Afghan government to address its security concerns. As the incoming chair, Pakistan is also pushing for institutional reforms within the ECO to enhance trade, connectivity, and climate resilience, noting that intra-regional trade is currently low.
Latest development
Speaking at the 27th ECO Council of Ministers meeting, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar called for the bloc to move from dialogue to practical measures to boost regional cooperation. He urged progress on making the ECO free trade area operational and digital, positioning Pakistan as a 'gateway for the region'.
Latest updates
In his address to the 27th meeting of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) Council of Ministers, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar called for the bloc to move from dialogue to practical measures to strengthen regional cooperation.
He urged progress towards making the ECO free trade area operational and digital, stating that such measures could expand market access and support businesses. Highlighting that the ECO region is home to around 500 million people, Dar said Pakistan was ready to play the role of a "gateway for the region" to enhance connectivity and trade.
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افغانستان سے دہشتگردی کے خاتمے تک خطے میں امن و ترقی ممکن نہیں، اسحاق ڈار
نائب وزیراعظم و وزیر خارجہ اسحاق ڈار کا کہنا ہے افغانستان سے لاحق دہشت گردی کے خطرے کےخاتمے کے بغیر خطےمیں امن اور ترقی ممکن نہیں۔
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