Ankara – January 29, 2025

ECO Secretary General Dr. Asad M. Khan met with the Deputy Minister for Treasury and Finance of Türkiye H.E. Mr. Osman Çelik, to discuss collaborative efforts for economic development and regional integration.

The discussion covered progress and challenges in implementing the ECO Vision 2025, with a focus on facilitating movement of goods and capital across the region. Ambassador Khan stressed the importance of engaging line ministries to shape and support the new ECO Vision. Both sides agreed on the urgent need to enhancing communication amongst Finance Ministries of the Member States. In this regard, the upcoming 6th ECO Ministerial Meeting on Finance and Economy, planned for May 2025, to deliberate key issues such as resource allocation, regional economic integration was highlighted as a potential milestone event.

The meeting further discussed the prospects of regional cooperation within the frameworks of enhancing the activities of the ECO Trade and Development Bank, establishment of ECO Clearing Union, and establishment of a network between Sovereign Wealth Funds of the Member States.