Ankara – January 28, 2025
ECO Secretary General Dr. Asad M. Khan held a bilateral meeting with H.E. Professor Dr. Ömer Bolat, Minister for Trade of Türkiye, to discuss strengthening trade cooperation and regional economic development within the ECO region.
During the meeting, Dr. Khan expressed gratitude for Türkiye’s active role in promoting regional integration and fostering economic development. Both sides agreed on the importance of holding annual meetings among ECO Trade Ministers, aiming to deepen trade cooperation. Dr. Khan also commended Türkiye’s constructive contributions at the 9th ECOTA Cooperation Council Meeting and appreciated the country’s offer to host the 5th ECO Ministerial Meeting on Commerce and Foreign Trade in June 2025.
The discussions also covered the need to update the ECOTA agreement to facilitate trade liberalization and enhance regional trade. Dr. Khan highlighted ongoing efforts to make the upcoming Ministerial Meeting a milestone in establishing a robust regional trade framework.
The meeting, inter alia, underscored the importance of cooperation between all parties involved in trade activities, including customs, trade and transport authorities.
