Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar has called for transforming the ECO into a more integrated, dynamic and competitive region within the global South.

Chairing the 27th Informal Meeting of the ECO Council of Ministers in New York, Ishaq Dar emphasized the need for revitalizing regional cooperation and strengthening the collective capacity to withstand geopolitical, economic and environmental challenges.

The Deputy Prime Minister said Pakistan is honored to assume the chairmanship of the ECO Council of Ministers, emphasizing it will work to advance ECO's long term vision and deliver tangible outcomes for the people of the region.

Ishaq Dar said Pakistan as chair will focus particularly on trade and economic integration, trade facilitation, connectivity and transit and climate resilience.

He said together we should revive regionalism, strengthen resilience and build a more integrated and prosperous ECO region. 

The Deputy Prime Minister said the ECO requires stronger political commitment and institutional reforms to respond effectively to challenges. He said we should streamline the ECO's secretariat and affiliated institutions ensuring their mandates and structures remain responsive to evolving geopolitical and economic realities.