ISLAMABAD, Sept 2: A two-day meeting of Developing-8 Commission, known as D-8, started here on Monday to review progress achieved in the intra-D8 cooperation in different areas.

Inaugurating the event, Prime Minister’s Adviser on National Security and Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz highlighted the importance of expanding cooperation among member countries.

Pakistan in its capacity as the chair of D-8 Organisation for Economic Development is hosting the 33rd session of D-8 Commission.

The D-8 commissioners from member countries — Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Nigeria, Pakistan and Turkey — and D-8 Secretary-General Dr Seyed Ali Mohammad Mousavi are attending the meeting.

Mr Aziz urged the organisation to initiate the phase of substantive cooperation by putting into operation agreements on removal of barriers in trade and business, particularly the Preferential Trade Agreement.

He said economic revival was the top priority of the Pakistani government.

He suggested that a mechanism of cooperation should be evolved in the energy sector, saying energy crisis was becoming a daunting challenge for many countries. Pakistan, he said, was in the process of organising the first meeting of D-8 Energy Forum in Islamabad.

The adviser said that member countries could take initiatives for cooperation in capacity building, transfer of technology, transfer of capital and labour, energy and food security, Islamic banking, and the Halal sector development.

Later, during a meeting with Secretary-General Mousavi, Mr Aziz proposed ways for fast-track implementation of trade and visa agreements.—Agencies