February 4, 2025 – Pakistan participated in the High-Level Committee (HLC) on Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) Reforms and the Future Prospects of Regional Cooperation. The meeting, which was attended by senior officials from various ECO member states, saw Pakistan represented by Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch, who provided valuable insights on the ongoing reforms within the organization and discussed ways to further enhance regional cooperation.
During the meeting, Foreign Secretary Baloch outlined Pakistan’s stance on key issues related to ECO reforms, particularly focusing on the need for comprehensive changes to improve the functionality and efficiency of the organization. She emphasized the importance of addressing financial and budgetary matters within ECO, suggesting that these reforms are essential to ensure the organization can operate effectively and remain responsive to the changing economic dynamics of the region.
One of the key areas that Baloch highlighted was the improvement of the ECO Secretariat’s efficiency. She called for the implementation of a robust recruitment policy that ensures the right talent is brought in to manage and drive the organization’s projects forward. Additionally, Baloch stressed the importance of addressing other related operational issues to enhance the overall effectiveness of ECO in fulfilling its mission.
As a founding member of ECO, Pakistan reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to regional connectivity, trade, and cooperation. Foreign Secretary Baloch pointed out that Pakistan has long championed the cause of increasing economic cooperation within the region and has consistently advocated for policies that enhance connectivity and trade between ECO member states.
A significant portion of the discussion focused on the early implementation of the ECO Trade Agreement (ECOTA). Foreign Secretary Baloch urged member states to adopt a more comprehensive and unified approach to ensure the timely execution of this important agreement. The ECOTA is a critical instrument aimed at facilitating trade liberalization and enhancing economic ties within the region, and Baloch emphasized that its successful implementation could provide a major boost to intra-regional trade, benefiting all member nations.
Another pivotal point raised by the Foreign Secretary was the ECO Vision 2025, a framework aimed at accelerating intra-regional trade and improving overall connectivity among ECO countries. Baloch underscored the importance of Vision 2025 in boosting economic cooperation, which she said would play a key role in fostering long-term prosperity for the region. She called on all member states to actively engage in initiatives under this vision to maximize the benefits for their respective economies.
In addition, Foreign Secretary Baloch commended Uzbekistan’s proposal for the Strategic Objectives of Cooperation 2035, a forward-looking plan that aims to further strengthen the economic ties between ECO member states. Baloch emphasized that, through collective and coordinated efforts, all members can fully realize the potential of ECO and harness the opportunities that regional cooperation offers.
The meeting concluded with a strong consensus on the need for deeper collaboration and more effective reforms within ECO. The focus on improving governance structures, streamlining operations, and enhancing regional connectivity was widely acknowledged as vital for the organization’s continued success.
Pakistan’s participation in the HLC underscores the country’s pivotal role in shaping the future of ECO and its commitment to regional integration. The meeting highlighted the potential of ECO to serve as a platform for fostering sustainable economic growth, trade, and cooperation across the region, and Pakistan remains dedicated to working with other member states to turn these aspirations into reality.