Terms of Reference for a joint study on

Strengthening ECO-ASEAN Cooperation

                   The 7^th ECO-ASEAN Joint Ministerial Meeting held on September 17, 2002 on the sidelines of the 57^th session of the General Assembly approved the Terms of Reference of this joint study on strengthening ECO-ASEAN cooperation.

Objectives of the Study

a.   Identify and propose ways to enhance cooperation between ECO and ASEAN in mutually agreed areas of cooperation. 

b.   Propose a plan for the development of ECO-ASEAN cooperation.

Scope of the Study

          The study shall cover areas for cooperation proposed at the ECO-ASEAN Ministerial Meetings and other potential areas beneficial to ECO and ASEAN. This may include the following areas:

a)                  Trade and investment

b)                  Transport and Communications

c)                  Energy

d)                  Human resources development

e)                  Combating organized crime

f)                   Narcotics control

g)                  Finance and banking

h)                  Science and technology

i)                    SMEs

j)                    Industry

Implementation of the Study

          ECO and ASEAN Secretariats shall nominate their respective officers to conduct the study. The study shall be finalized within six months from the date of its commencement. The nominated officers shall undertake exchange visits to the two Secretariats to gather the necessary information and hold discussions with the relevant officers in conducting the study with a view to developing a Work Program for ECO-ASEAN cooperation. The ECO-ASEAN Ministerial Meeting shall endorse the Work Program.

The funding of the officers for the exchange visits and other costs incurred for the study shall be covered by the respective Secretariats.