Arkadag City – April 28, 2025
ECO Secretary General Dr. Asad M. Khan held a bilateral meeting with H.E. Nokerguly Atagulyyev, Turkmenistan’s Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers, on the sidelines of the 1st ECO Forum on Sustainable Development. Dr. Khan expressed appreciation for Turkmenistan’s active role in the ECO, highlighting its commitment to regional economic development and commending the excellent organization of the Forum.
During their discussions, Dr. Khan shared key trade statistics, noting that the ECO region’s contribution to global trade reached USD 1 trillion 16 billion in 2023, with intra-regional trade recorded at USD 82 billion. The Secretary General also welcomed Turkmenistan’s proposal for an ECO feasibility study on Shared Border Zones with Iran, and apprised Mr. Atagulyyev of upcoming ECO Ministerial Meetings on various sectors, inviting Turkmenistan to actively participate and contribute to these discussions. Additionally, he highlighted the importance of signing and ratifying several agreements, including the ECO Trade Agreement (ECOTA) and the Agreement on Promotion and Protection of Investment (APPI), to enhance trade relations and economic cooperation.
