The specialised committees of ECO-CCI during the day-long deliberations framed proposals and suggestions for promoting cooperation and trade relation, including tourism, transportation and arbitration.

KARACHI: Sindh Governor Imran Ismail said on Thursday that Pakistan having huge agriculture potential can become food basket for Economic Cooperation Organisation (ECO) member countries.

Speaking at the 27th Executive Committee meeting of ECO Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the governor said that Pakistan would welcome investment and transfer of technology in food processing industry.

He said for attracting investment from ECO member countries the government will not only relax rules and regulations but also ready to follow an open visa policy.

He noted Pakistan being a developing state offers plenty of investment opportunities.

Giving example of European Union (EU), the governor said that more than 66 per cent of total trade was carried out within the bloc and only 8pc was external.

Therefore, he said the ECO member countries having huge economic potential could easily beat EU trade figures provided they get united and move together after identifying each country’s needs.

He regretted that most of the ECO member countries even today look at the West despite the fact that there was willingness for increasing trade relations among themselves.

He lauded Turkey for doing wonders on economic side as they managed to get rid of debt whereas Iran though standing alone but still was working hard and moving forward.

However, the Sindh governor stressed the need of stronger trade relation among the ECO states.

Published in Dawn, November 15th, 2019