Afghanistan’s Minister of Industry and Commerce, Nooruddin Azizi, took part in the 5th Meeting of Trade Ministers of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO), held in Istanbul, Turkey, where member states approved several major regional trade and economic initiatives.

The high-level gathering brought together trade ministers from across the ECO region, focusing on strengthening economic integration, reducing trade barriers, and enhancing cooperation in key commercial sectors.

During the session, ministers formally endorsed a series of significant policy frameworks designed to boost regional trade. Among the approved initiatives were the ECOTA Amendment Negotiation Strategy, aimed at updating and advancing the ECO Trade Agreement; the Trade Facilitation Agreement Strategy, which seeks to harmonize customs procedures and streamline cross-border trade; and the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) Framework, paving the way for deeper tariff reductions and broader market access among ECO countries.

Also adopted was the Ten-Year ECO Development Vision for 2026–2035, a long-term roadmap outlining shared economic goals, infrastructure priorities, and regional integration strategies intended to strengthen economic resilience and sustainable growth across member states.

Afghan Minister Azizi emphasized Afghanistan’s commitment to enhancing regional cooperation and leveraging ECO platforms to expand trade opportunities, improve transit routes, and attract investment. He noted that ECO’s new strategies and future vision will support Afghanistan’s efforts to boost exports, modernize commerce, and integrate more effectively into regional supply chains.

The Istanbul meeting is seen as a major step toward reinforcing the ECO's role as a key regional economic bloc, with member states reaffirming their dedication to joint development and coordinated economic progress. (ILKHA)