Pakistan set to host 30th ECO Council of ministers meeting

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is set to host the 30th Meeting of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) Council of Ministers in Islamabad on Sunday, with foreign ministers and senior officials from member countries, along with representatives of regional and international organisations, expected to attend.

Taking over the ECO chairmanship for 2026-27, Pakistan aims to strengthen regional ties by promoting cooperation in trade, transportation, investment and sustainable development.

The meeting is expected to conclude with the adoption of the Islamabad Declaration and approval of ECO Vision 2035, a ten-year roadmap designed to enhance regional connectivity, economic integration and sustainable growth.

Pakistan will also seek to advance the ECO Trade Agreement (ECOTA) and the Transit Transport Framework Agreement (TTFA), with the aim of facilitating trade and improving cross-border transportation among member states.

The gathering will also provide an opportunity for Pakistan to highlight its position as a regional connectivity hub. Key initiatives include the proposed Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan (UAP) railway project and efforts to expand commercial links with Central Asian countries.

Following the signing of bilateral trade agreements with Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan, Pakistan plans to discuss practical steps with ECO partners to increase trade, streamline transit arrangements and strengthen regional supply chains.

As one of ECO's founding members, Pakistan has previously hosted several major summits and ministerial-level meetings. It is also home to several institutions affiliated with the organisation.

Pakistan currently holds the ECO Secretary General's office, with Ambassador Asad Majeed Khan serving in the position until 2027.

Officials consider the upcoming meeting an important opportunity to enhance Pakistan's diplomatic standing, deepen economic ties with regional countries and prepare for future international engagements, including upcoming ECO and Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summits.