2^nd Experts Group Meeting for the Preparation of

ECO Industrial Cooperation

Islamabad, 17 March 2005

Press Release

1.         The Second Meeting of the Experts Group for preparation of ECO Regional Strategy for Industrial Cooperation was held on 14-17 March 2005 in Islamabad, Islamic Republic of Pakistan. The Experts Advisory Cell, Ministry of Industries, Production & Special Initiatives of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan hosted the Meeting.

2.         The Delegations from the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, Republic of Azerbaijan, Islamic Republic of Iran, Republic of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Republic of Tajikistan, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Uzbekistan along with representatives of Islamic Development Bank (IDB), Islamic Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) and UNIDO and ECO Secretariat participated in the Meeting.

3.         In the Meeting, along with all heads of delegations, Mr. Zahid Aziz, chief of Experts Advisory Cell of Pakistan, Mr. Muhammad Saeed, President, Federation of Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FPCCI), Mr. Fatih UNLU, Director of Agriculture, Industry and Health of the ECO Secretariat, Mr. Aqeel A. Al-Jassem, Secretary General of the Islamic Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) and Mr. Onder Yucer, Resident Coordinator of UN and Officer Incharge of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization  (UNIDO) made statements emphasizing the need for strengthened cooperation among member countries especially in focusing on more value added products, technology transfer, human resources development, enhancing competitiveness etc.

4.         Several presentations in sub-sectors have been made during the meeting including chemicals & petrochemicals industry, transportation industry, mining & metallurgical industry, textile, leather and clothing, electronics, energy, equipment and machinery etc. Some of the recommendations of the EGM are as follows:

i.          Establishment of Pak-Afghan Joint Venture for exploration of Gemstones.

ii.         Expansion and modernization of salt based industries in the region, especially iodized salt.

iii.         Consumption and production of steel is increasing worldwide.  Immediate projects may be taken-up for exploration and development of quality iron ore available in respective member countries.

iv.         There is a need to involve private sector and to establish Textile Business Forum. In this area, ECO member need to have a strategic shift and involve more into fashion markets as well as products addressing mass markets.

v.          In sub-sectoral areas, ECO pool of consultants and eminent experts should be established

vi.         ECO countries could benefit from the manufacturing capabilities of textile machinery of Turkey.

vii.        ECO countries can make use of experience of Pakistani towel manufacturers. In that context, ECO countries can utilize the facilities of towel training institute established in Karachi.

viii.        Member countries would cooperate on harmonization of regulatory and legal framework as well as incentives available for industrialization to ECO Secretariat.

ix.         Industrial exhibitions and fairs for parts, components and finished goods need to be held annually in each ECO country.

x.         More interaction and exchange of business delegations should be encouraged.

xi.        Development of Science/Technology Parks and cooperation among incubation centers

xii.        Cooperation on standardization and conformity assessment and establishment of measurement and calibration lab;

xiii.       Cooperation among the companies /institutions of member countries in production/trade of Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) Color Picture Tubes (CPT), Small Circuit Breakers, compressors for Air conditioners, Deep freezers and Refrigerators etc.

During the Meeting, ECO Strategy on Industrial cooperation and a framework for a sub-sectoral strategy was also considered.   A Task Force would be established consisting Islamic Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Pakistan and Republic of Turkey for considering the proposal of Turkey for framework strategy for cooperation in sub sectors.

In the meeting, SME cooperation and Establishment of ECO Technology Transfer Database Center established by Islamic Republic Iran as one of the coordinator countries in the area. This website would be available at: www.ettcenter.com.  The Meeting also discussed the preparations of the Second Ministerial Meeting on Industry to be held in Third quarter of 2005 in Turkey.

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