8 September 2025 – Islamabad, Pakistan
The 14th Meeting of the ECO High-Level Working Group on the Islamabad-Tehran-Istanbul (ITI) Train Corridor was inaugurated today in Islamabad, hosted by the Government of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.
In his opening statement, the ECO Secretary General expressed gratitude to the Government of Pakistan for its hospitality and excellent arrangements. He highlighted the strategic importance of the ITI multimodal corridor, noting its potential to serve as a backbone of regional trade, reduce the weight of road transport, and even compete with maritime routes. He also emphasized the Tehran Declaration of the 13th ECO Ministerial Meeting on Transport and the 17th ECO Summit, which both underscored the importance of regional and international transport corridors in fostering trade, integration, and sustainable development.
The meeting carried a comprehensive agenda, addressing critical issues related to the operationalization, extension, and commercialization of the ITI Corridor. The en-route countries discussed ways to address challenges, develop solutions, and take necessary decisions to accelerate progress. The Secretary General assured participants of the Secretariat’s readiness to assist in coordinating efforts, promoting cooperation, and mobilizing resources.
Particular attention was given to the mobilization of funds and investment for the development of infrastructure and removal of missing links. The Secretary General stressed the significance of digitalization, highlighting Secretariat-led projects.
Delegates commended the valuable proposals from the last ITI meeting and welcomed the inclusion of a dedicated agenda item on private sector engagement, recognizing the essential role of businesses in bringing innovation, efficiency, and sustainability to the corridor.
The ECO Secretariat reaffirmed its strong commitment to supporting Member States in transforming the ITI Train Corridor into a fully operational, competitive, and sustainable transport artery, linking the ECO region with global markets and promoting deeper regional integration.
