The 8th ECO Minerals Expert Group Meeting was held on November 13-17, 2022 in Isfahan City of Iran. The Meeting was jointly organized by the Geological Survey of Iran and the Isfahan Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mining and Agriculture in collaboration with the Secretariat of Economic Cooperation Organization.
The Meeting was attended by the representatives of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, Republic of Azerbaijan, Islamic Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Republic of Tajikistan and Republic of Uzbekistan.
The main purpose of this meeting aimed at reviewing latest development in the field of minerals in Member States and to discuss prospects of strengthening regional cooperation through conducting new projects.
The inaugural statement was delivered by the Ambassador Dr. Huseyin Avni Bicakli, Deputy Secretary General Economic of the Cooperation Organization (ECO) Secretariat. He expressed that cooperation in minerals is a key component of ECO’s strategy on sustainable economic growth that will enable our region to work together to build minerals investment, grow the minerals sector, expand trade and ensure sustainable approaches towards minerals development.
Mr. Amirreza Naghsh, Deputy Governor Isfahan Province, asked the Geological Survey of Iran and ECO Secretariat to engage with other international organizations and companies as well as other governments and private sectors to work together in the field of minerals for the socio-economic development of the ECO region.
The meeting mandated the Secretariat to work with international partners to adapt existing leading practices on sustainable minerals development within ECO; design and adopt non-financial incentives to promote; knowledge sharing and capacity building activities to assist government & other stakeholders as well as to work and involve all driven NGOs companies, governments and international organizations to support the ECO Member States in the field of minerals.
The host authorities also arranged the visit of delegates to the 17th Specialized Exhibition of Stone, Quarries & Related Industries at Isfahan International Exhibition Center and BAMA MINE Company (Lead and Zinc) in Isfahan, where all participants were acquainted with the main facilities and infrastructure, operating capacities and mineral processing activities.
Local media representatives have taken interviews from ECO Secretariat officials on the outcome of events.
For further information/queries, Mr. Nurlan Darimov, Programme Officer for Minerals may be contacted on his email: darimov@eco.int
Presentation Strengthening Minerals Cooperation in ECO
Presentatition Azerbaijan (rus)
