Dushanbe, 23 September 2026
ECO Secretary General Dr. Asad M. Khan met with H.E. Mr. Sherali Kabir, Minister of Industry and New Technologies of the Republic of Tajikistan, on the sidelines of the 4th ECO Ministerial Meeting on Industry, focusing on strengthening regional industrial cooperation and private-sector engagement.
Dr. Khan welcomed Tajikistan’s leadership in convening the Ministerial Meeting after a 20-year interval and expressed appreciation to the Government of Tajikistan for its support and hospitality.
Highlighting Dushanbe Declaration as the main outcome of the Meeting, the Secretary General underscored its importance in renewing Member States’ commitment to regular high-level policy dialogue on industry, developing a consolidated regional strategy for industrial cooperation, and operationalizing existing ECO frameworks and mechanisms for industrial development.
Dr. Khan commended Tajikistan for organizing the Second International Textile Forum alongside the Ministerial Meeting, noting that such platforms strengthen connections between governments, industry and the private sector and help turn regional cooperation into concrete business opportunities.
Minister Sherali Kabir emphasized the need for stronger Member State participation in ECO’s industrial cooperation and greater involvement of private-sector and industry stakeholders, highlighting the region’s substantial potential for expanded industrial partnerships.
The meeting reaffirmed the shared commitment to translating the Dushanbe Declaration into practical initiatives and stronger industrial partnerships across the ECO region.
