Upcoming ECO Meetings




ECO-WTO Seminar on Global Trade Challenges and Opportunities for ECO Countries

Donor’s Conference for the ECO Regional Programme for Food Security

Technical Workshop on Inflation Targeting

The 1st EGM on Corruption and Money Laundering

Task Force Meeting to discuss establishment of the ECO Nanotechnology Network (ECO-NAN)

The 1st Meeting of the Cooperation Council for implementation of ECOTA

The 5th Meeting of ECO Working Group (WGM) on Environment

International Training Course for Energy Managers

Meeting of the Working Group to finalize the Draft Additional Protocol of the Agreement on Simplification of Visa Procedures for Businessmen of ECO Member States

2nd ECO/WB Workshop on Regional Energy Trade

2nd ECO TRADE FAIR TO BE ORGANIZED AT KARACHI

First ECO International Seed Conference and Trade Exhibition






ECO-WTO Seminar on Global Trade Challenges and Opportunities for ECO Countries

(Islamabad, 7-8 May 2008)



So far participation has been confirmed by six Member States, i.e. the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, the Islamic Republic of Iran, Kyrgyz Republic, the Republic of Tajikistan, the Republic of Turkey and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, being the host country.

Afghanistan, Kazakhstan and Tajikistan are requested to convey composition of their delegations.

Turkmenistan has regretted.











Donor’s Conference for the ECO Regional Programme for Food Security

(Turkey, 7-9 May 2008)



Pursuant to the decision of the 18th Regional Planning Council (RPC) held on March 3-6, 2008 at Islamabad, a Donor’s Conference on the ECO Regional Programme for Food Security will be held in Antalya, Turkey on May 7-9, 2008.

The ECO Secretariat prepared the Program with the technical assistance of FAO and in consultation with national and regional experts, as directed by the ECO Ministerial Meeting on Agriculture held in Islamabad from 23-25 July, 2003. A copy of the Regional Programme for Food Security (RPFS) is available on ECO web site, in Members’ area.

It of broadly consists of nine Regional Components and one specific programme on Community Based Food Production in Afghanistan. The total budget proposal amounts to US $64.8 million. The main objective of the Programme is to boost regional integration and complement national initiatives, utilizing market and trade opportunities for local food and agricultural production at regional and international levels. This would, in turn, contribute to the efforts of the member states to achieve MDGs, in particular Goal One of eradicating extreme poverty and hunger.

Three participants from each member state, one Deputy Minister for Agriculture and two high ranking officials from Ministry of Agriculture and Ministry of Finance/Planning, are invited to the Conference.

So far eight ECO Member States and ten Donors have confirmed their participation in the Conference. The other Member States and Donors may please expedite confirming their participation. The Donors would expect renewed commitment from the member states to implement the Programme.










Technical Workshop on Inflation Targeting

(Izmir, 9-10 May 2008)



The Islamic Republic of Iran, the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, the Republic of Tajikistan and the Republic of Turkey, being the host country have confirmed. Remaining Member States are requested to confirm their participation at the earliest.











The 1st EGM on Corruption and Money Laundering

(Ankara, 13-14 May 2008)



The Republic of Azerbaijan, the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and the Republic of Turkey (host) have confirmed their participation.

The Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, the Republic of Tajikistan, the Republic of Turkey and the Republic of Uzbekistan are requested to confirm.









Task Force Meeting to discuss establishment of the ECO Nanotechnology Network (ECO-NAN)

(May 20-21, 2008, Tehran)



The Task Force Meeting to discuss establishment of the ECO Nanotechnology Network (ECO-NAN) is scheduled to be held on May 20-21, 2008, in Tehran. The host authorities will provide local hospitality for two participants and a round-trip air ticket on the most economical routes for one participant from each member state.

The meeting will consider project proposal for the Establishment of the ECO Nanotechnology Network (ECO-NAN) prepared by the Islamic Republic of Iran. The network is meant to promote the economic development of the ECO members, increase the role of ECO in the world trade growth and activate the resources of the ECO member states. Nanotechnology is one of the most important sources of economic value in the new international condition. It can contribute significantly to economic growth among member countries.

The meeting offers an opportunity to set the strategic and economic directions for nanotechnology in the ECO region for the next decade.

It provides a vital common platform for information sharing, training, regional and global network building. Member states would discuss infrastructure sharing, nanotech standardization, safe and risk assessment and management as well as industrialization and economic development in ECO region.













The 1st Meeting of the Cooperation Council for implementation of ECOTA

(Mersin, Gaziantep, Turkey, 20-22 May 2008)



The 1st meeting of the Cooperation Council, the implementing body for ECOTA, is scheduled to be held on May 20-22, 2008 at Mersin and Gaziantep, Turkey at Ministerial level as per the decision of 17th Meeting of the Council of Ministers (COM). The Minister of State for Commerce of the Republic of Turkey has already invited the relevant Ministers of the Contracting Parties (Afghanistan, Iran, Pakistan and Tajikistan) to participate in the meeting. Contracting Parties are requested to confirm their participation and convey the composition of their delegations at the earliest.











The 5th Meeting of ECO Working Group (WGM) on Environment

(Baku on May 22-23, 2008)



The 5th meeting of ECO Working Group on Environment is scheduled to be held in Baku on May 22-23, 2008. The Meeting is to consider the issues relating to the Implementation of the Plan of Action for Cooperation among ECO Member States on Environment (Extended upto 2010). It also focuses on developments in different fields of Environment, proposals of member states and other related issues before the 4th ECO Ministerial Meeting on Environment.

The report and outcome of the Meeting will be presented to the 4th Ministerial Meeting on Environment which is going to be hosted by the Islamic Republic of Pakistan in the September/October 2008.









International Training Course for Energy Managers

( Ankara, 16-27 June 2008 )



International Training Course for Energy Managers titled “Third Country Training Program (TCTP) on Energy Efficiency and Management in Industry” is scheduled for 16-27 June 2008 in Ankara.



Member states, who wish to make nominations for this TCTP, may forward application forms, duly filled in, to the Turkish Embassies in their respective countries as per the procedure introduced in a Booklet circulated to member states by Note Verbal of the Secretariat No.EME/TCTP/2008/0644 dated 20 April 2008.



The details are also available in the Web-site www.eie.gov.tr of the host authorities- General Directorate of Electric Power Survey and Development Administration (EIE), Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources of the Republic of Turkey.










Meeting of the Working Group to finalize the Draft Additional Protocol of the Agreement on Simplification of Visa Procedures for Businessmen of ECO Member States

(June, 2008, ECO Secretariat, Tehran)



The Secretariat proposed to hold the meeting during June 2008. So far, the Islamic Republic of Iran has confirmed its participation. Member States have yet to indicate a date in the last week of April 2008 as proposed by the Secretariat vide its Note Verbale No. T&I/1st EGM (VA)/2008/0408 dated 12 March 2008 and confirm their participation.












2nd ECO/WB Workshop on Regional Energy Trade

(8-9 July 2008 in Tehran)



The Secretariat has been in contact with the World Bank on a study titled “South Asia: Policy Paper for Regional Energy Trade: Trading Arrangements and Risk Management in International Electricity Trade". It was commissioned for the ECO region, under the Bank's Energy Sector Management Assistance Program (ESMAP). The Report of the study was circulated to member states in July 2007. Its electronic version is placed below for ready reference.

The outcomes of study and related issues are the subject of the 2nd ECO/WB Workshop on Regional Energy Trade scheduled for 8-9 July 2008 in Tehran, with the participation of International Organizations, Consultants and members of ECO/WB Advisory Working Group (AWG), who were nominated by member states.

Among the issues expected to be discussed are also (the list is indicative): outcomes of the first ECO/WB workshop held in June 2005; the study on regional energy trade, trading arrangements and risk management in international electricity trade; the Central Asia South Asia Electricity Transmission and Trade Project; other opportunities for power exchange in the ECO region; feasibility study for the interconnection of power systems of ECO member states and identification of next steps.

The Report of the study: “South Asia: Policy Paper for Regional Energy Trade: Trading Arrangements and Risk Management in International Electricity Trade".











2nd ECO TRADE FAIR TO BE ORGANIZED AT KARACHI

(23-26 July 2008, Karachi - Pakistan)



Pakistan has announced to host the 2nd ECO Trade Fair at Karachi from 23-26 July, 2008. The ECO initiative aims at projecting industrial and export potential of the region by offering opportunities to the manufacturers and exporters in establishing contacts with importers of the Member States. The event would help participants to showcase a wide range of products including, machinery, engineering goods, textiles, leather products, foodstuffs, pharmaceuticals, building materials, minerals, furniture and handicrafts etc.

The four day Fair will be organized at the Expo Centre, Karachi and will be coordinated by the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP). Terms and conditions of participation and space reservation forms have been circulated to the Member States by the ECO Secretariat requesting to expedite confirming participation (Space Reservation Forms attached).

The host authorities have offered discounted rates for participants from Afghanistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. Besides, the host authorities will make special arrangements with Pakistan Customs to facilitate the exhibitors for speedy clearance of exhibits. In addition the Fair authorities will also provide free of cost warehousing facility to the exhibitors at the Karachi Expo Centre.

Interested participants are requested to contact TDAP for further assistance/coordination:-



1. Mr.Riaz Ahmed Shaikh,

Deputy Director (EXPO) Trade Development Authority of Pakistan Government of Pakistan

5th Floor, Block-A, Finance & Trade Centre,

Sharah-e-Faisal, Karachi, Pakistan

Tel 0092-21-9206802,

Fax: 0092-21-9202717, Cell: 0092-300-9284546

2. (Syed Adil Karim, 0092-21-9201529- Cell: 0092-321-2020630)

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First ECO International Seed Conference and Trade Exhibition

(2008 in Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic)



The Central Asia & Caucasus Seed Trade Conference (CACSTC2008) will be held during 2008 in Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic. On the occasion of the Conference, a Trade Exhibition would also be organized. The following stakeholders from the ECO region as well as other regions are cordially invited to the conference and the trade exhibition:

· Seed companies, associations and seed testing laboratories

· Seed equipment manufacturers

· Agricultural input suppliers

· Agricultural machinery manufacturers/suppliers

· International/regional development organizations, networks etc. working on seeds

· International/regional seed trade associations, institutions

· Chambers of Commerce & Industry

· Public sector seed corporation/agencies, agricultural research, development institutions

· Seed Import & Export Controlling Agencies of ECO countries

· CGIAR Centers

· Speakers, experts, professionals and managers

· Potential donors

The Brochure containing information about arrangements details, Work Program and Registration Form would be announced shortly.

The Conference will focus on (i) Status of Seed Industry in ECO Region; (ii) International Seed Regulations of Relevance to ECO region; and (iii) Opportunities in the Seed Sector in ECO Central Asian region.

The Conference and Exhibition will provide an ideal platform to the stakeholders to develop business contacts, to share achievements and challenges and to learn from international speakers. The conference will also provide an opportunity for detailed analysis of critical issues being faced by the national seed and farming systems in the ECO region.

Interested companies may contact the following for further details:
Seed Conference Secretariat,

(Mr. Metin Genckol, Director and Mr. Hafeez Ahmad Shah, Deputy Manager)

ECO Secretariat, 1-Golbou Alley, Kamranieh, Tehran

Tele: (+9821) 22829479, 22831733, 22831734, Fax: (+9821) 22829480

Email: seedconference@yahoo.com

Brief History of ECO



The ECO was established in 1985 as a trilateral organization of Iran, Pakistan and Turkey to promote multi dimensional regional cooperation with a view to creating conditions for sustained socioeconomic growth in the Member States. Its aims and objectives as its modes of operation were identical to those of its forerunner, the Regional Cooperation for Development (RCD) which remained in existence from 1964 to 1979. Subsequently, the organization was restructured and revived under the present name ECO.

The Treaty of Izmir signed in 1977 as the legal framework for the RCD and later adopted as the basic Charter of ECO was modified to provide a proper legal basis to ECO's transition from RCD at the Ministerial Meeting held in Islamabad in June 1990. Following the amendment in the Treaty of Izmir ECO was fully launched in early 1991.

The break-up of the former Soviet Union led to the independence of Republics of Central Asia and Caucasus. In their bid to open up to the outside world and as a manifestation of their urge to revive their historic affinities with the peoples of Iran, Pakistan and Turkey, six of these Republics; namely Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan along with Afghanistan sought the membership of ECO and were admitted into the organization. The participation of these new Members in the activities of the Organization commenced after their formal accession to the Treaty of Izmir at an Extraordinary Meeting of ECO Council of Ministers held in Islamabad on 28th May, 1992.

With its expansion in November 1992, from a 3 to 10-Members’ Organization, ECO gained a new dimension and new role. Accordingly, there was a consensus at all levels of ECO Meetings that in order to enhance the effectiveness of ECO, fundamental changes were required in the structure and functional methodology of the organization. The fifth meeting of the Council of Ministers held in Ashgabat in January 1995 established a panel of eminent and competent persons to consider the issue of the reappraisal of the Treaty of Izmir and restructuring of ECO.

The Eminent Persons Group (EPG) after comprehensive deliberations finalized several recommendations and documents for submission to the ECO Council of Ministers. The Council of Ministers approved the Group's recommendations in the form of ten documents on ECO's new organizational set up and functional methodology in Ashgabat on 11th May 1996.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on reorganization and restructuring of ECO was signed by the Foreign Ministers of ECO Countries at Ashgabat during the Summit Meeting on 14 May 1996. In pursuance of the above mentioned MOU, the Council of Ministers decided to hold an Extraordinary Session of the Council of Ministers in the city of Izmir for signing the revised Treaty of Izmir and Agreement on the Legal Status of the Economic Organization (ECO).

The Extraordinary Meeting of the ECO Council of Ministers was held in Izmir, Turkey on 14 September, 1996, to finalize ECO's basic documents including its fundamental Charter, the revised Treaty of Izmir. The Council of Ministers also approved the Implementation Plan on Reorganization and Restructuring of ECO and witnessed the signing of the Treaty of Izmir and the Agreement on the Legal Status of ECO by the Ministers/Authorized Representatives of ECO Member States.

In the wake of the above, the following ten documents are being implemented to give affect to the new organizational structure of the ECO, beginning in 1997.

1. Treaty of Izmir (amended)



2. Organizational Structure of ECO



3. Organizational Chart of ECO Secretariat



4. Agreement on Legal Status of the ECO, National Representatives and International Staff



5. Agreement between the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran and ECO relating to the Rights, Privileges and Immunities of the ECO Secretariat



6. Rules of Procedures of ECO



7. Functional Methodology of ECO



8. Economic Cooperation Strategy for the ECO Region



9. Staff Regulations of ECO Secretariat



10. Financial Regulations of ECO Secretariat

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Engr.Aftab