KARACHI: The 13th ECO summit is extremely relevant in the backdrop of ever growing importance of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor for its member countries, said Riaz Khattak, Chairman, FPCCI Regional Standing Committee on Trade and Industry.
"All the ECO member states are keen to be part of CPEC that may help to strengthen regional connectivity," he said here on Wednesday.
The senior office bearer of Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FPCCI) also expressed his confidence that the ongoing moot would lead towards promotion of enhanced cooperation among the member countries.
Khattak sought need to strengthen the role of ECO Chamber of Commerce (ECOCCI) within ECO member countries so as to also ameliorate business interaction in the region.
"Pakistan is hosting the ECO summit and can definitely play an important role in promoting cooperation among the member countries," he said.
Riaz Khattak said ECO had provided a platform to the member states to focus on development issues besides promoting trade and investment opportunities for each other.
The member states of the organisation Iran, Pakistan, Turkey, Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan have been provided with a unique opportunity, he said.
Meanwhile, FPCCI Regional Standing Committee Chairman on Horticulture Exports, Chairman Ahmad Jawad referring to the ongoing moot said ECO holds huge potential to emerge as new economic bloc for the benefit of the people in the region.
He also appreciated its expansion with 10 member states, including all five Central Asian States (CARs).
Jawad said Pakistan one of the pioneer members of the organization has huge potential to enhance the trade with these countries.
"Energy rich CARs can play important role by providing support in energy sector for local industries," said the FPCCI office bearer.
Jawad mentioning that Pakistan's Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with Iran and Turkey are in negotiation phase, said ECO has proven to be a remarkable forum to discuss the issues of trade and enhance bilateral trade.
"I believe ECO summit in Islamabad offers us huge trade opportunity and our exports to ECO countries can get a major boost," he said.
"It also offers all ECO members to prepare for the future," expressing all confidence that the region would be the centre of the world in terms of economic prospects.
"The natural resources-rich ECO states and our strategic importance in terms of regional connectivity would be vital in the coming times," he said.
Ahmad Jawad said it was a positive sign that ECO countries have kick-started their preparations to meet future needs and derive maximum benefits through a regional arrangement equally supplemented by One Belt One Road initiative.
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