Key regional summit to focus on connectivity: Pakistani PM adviser

Pakistani Foreign Affairs Advisor to Prime Minister Sartaj Aziz said Saturday that the upcoming Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) summit will focus on connectivity and other issues including trade, energy, tourism, investment, industry, economic growth, productivity, social welfare and environment.

The summit, which is planned to be held here on March 1, is under the theme of "Connectivity for Regional Prosperity." Most of the members have confirmed participation in the regional economic forum, Aziz said.

"The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is an outstanding example of the summit's theme of connectivity. It will augment the existing and planned transit and energy corridors in ECO region for greater progress and prosperity for our peoples," the Pakistani adviser said at a news conference.

He said the theme of connectivity would help foster road, rail, air, energy, cyber and knowledge based connectivity, adding the significance of CPEC as catalyst for regional connectivity and integration would be further highlighted.

The ECO, which was established in 1985 by Iran, Turkey and Pakistan, now also groups Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.

The summit is expected to issue the "Islamabad Declaration" that would focus on the regional connectivity and make it as a dynamic concept that encompasses multiple dimensions including transit transport such as rail, road, ports and shipping and cyber linkages.

The adviser said the summit would provide a platform to ECO members to enhance regional integration through preferential tariffs, activation of established ECO institutions and finalizing an effective transport strategy aiming to boost cross-border connectivity, enhancing trade and strengthening regional economic cooperation in the region.

The summit will be preceded by a senior official's meeting from Feb. 26 to 27 and council of foreign minister's meeting on Feb. 28. Endit