Afghan Minister of Industry and Trade attended the ECO Trade Ministers’ Meeting in Istanbul

Noureddine Azizi, Minister of Industry and Commerce of the Emirate

Islamic Afghanistan participated in the fifth meeting of trade ministers of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO), which was hosted by Türkiye in Istanbul.

Several key documents were approved at this two-day meeting, which was attended by trade ministers from 10 member countries, including:

ICOTA Trade Agreement Adjustment Strategy

(ECHO)

Strategy for finalizing the Trade Facilitation Agreement (FTA) Framework Agreement between

Member States

ICO’s Ten-Year Development Vision for 2026

Mr. Azizi, in his speech, focused on Afghanistan’s strategic position as a regional transit crossroads.

He emphasized and announced the country’s full readiness to play a more active role in regional trade and transit projects.

He also officially invited the ECO to hold the next meeting of trade ministers of the organization in Kabul and sought the support of member countries for developing trade, facilitating transit, and attracting foreign investment in Afghanistan.