Ankara – January 27, 2025
ECO Secretary General Dr. Asad M. Khan held a meeting with H.E. Mr. Mustafa Tuzcu, Deputy Minister for Trade of Türkiye, discussing key areas of cooperation for economic growth and trade integration across the region.
Discussions emphasized the need to update the ECO Trade Agreement (ECOTA) to boost intra-regional trade and explore opportunities to involve non-member states. The ECO region’s trade potential was highlighted, with total trade exceeding USD 1 trillion but intra-regional trade making up only 8% of this figure. Türkiye’s leadership in exports within the region, contributing 64% of ECO exports and 57% of imports, was recognized, along with its vast potential to expand trade in high-demand products like pharmaceuticals, machinery and electrical appliances.
Ambassador Khan expressed appreciation for Türkiye’s efforts in trade facilitation and customs cooperation, particularly its contributions to capacity-building initiatives. The Secretary General also praised Türkiye’s key role in regional collaboration and its offer to host the 5th ECO Ministerial Meeting on Commerce and Trade in June 2025. He emphasized Türkiye’s support for advancing regional trade, expressing confidence in its leadership to drive ECO’s reform agenda and shared economic growth goals. The meeting then discussed extensively the prospects of regional trade and preparations for the upcoming Ministerial Meeting in this regard.
