The 1st Working Group Meeting of the Expert for finalization of Data Element of Electronic Data Interchange (EDI), was hosted, virtually, by the ECO Secretariat on 19th July 2022. The delegates from Republic of Azerbaijan, Islamic Republic of Iran, Republic of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Islamic Republic of Pakistan, and Republic of Uzbekistan participated in the meeting. ECO Secretariat delegation headed by Deputy Secretary General, Mr. Seyed Mohsen Esperi, also attended the Meeting.
The Meeting was inaugurated by Mr. Seyed Mohsen Esperi, Deputy Secretary General, ECO Secretariat. In his opening remarks, while reminding the significance and relevance of ECO Vision document, he underscored the importance of EDI system at regional level to increase the prospects of intra-regional trade. He conveyed that the COVID-19 pandemic has changed the ways our lives including the way we trade, across borders. He invited strengthened collaboration of ECO Member States for their better adaptation to these modern ways of new normal in order to compete with the other regions.
The Chair of the meeting Mr. Zafar Olimkulov, Head of Delegation of the Republic of Uzbekistan stressed the importance of enhanced cooperation in Paperless of digital trade with Electronic Data Exchange, in accomplishment of envisioned goals, within the ECO's framework. He appreciated the ECO Secretariat for organizing the meeting.
The meeting decided to continue the discussion for finalization of recommendations for data elements and requested the Secretariat to schedule the 2nd Working Group, in virtual mode. It is pertinent to mention that the Working Group has been tasked to finalize its recommendation for presenting to the 3rd Meeting of the Technical Committee of the EDI, in 2022.
The Electronic Interchange of Trade Data is an important step in trade facilitation aiming at reducing the cost and time of trade transaction in the region.
