The first Conference of Parliamentary Assembly of Economic Co-operation Organisation (PAECO) countries emphasised on strengthening collaboration to promote trade, modern technology, transport infrastructure and peace to achieve stability and prosperity in the region.
The Speakers of Assemblies of the PAECO countries also urged the member countries to achieve the regional economic objectives, using the models being applied by the global economy, develop the transit and communication infrastructures; strengthen environmental co-operation, make proper utilisation of energy, industrial and agriculture potentials as well as foster the historical and cultural ties between the peoples of the ECO region.
They expressed these views at the inaugural ceremony and signing of the PAECO Charter here on Monday. Dr Fehmida Mirza, Speaker of the National Assembly, Sabir Asad-Ov, Chairman of the Milli Majlis of Azarbaijan, Dr Ali Larijani, Speaker of the Shoura-e-Islami of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Shukur-Jon Zuhur-Ov, Speaker of the Majlis-i-Namo-yan-da-gon of Majlis-i-Oli Republic of Tajikistan, Jamil Chi-chak, Speaker of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey , Neamatullah Ghaffari, Second Deputy Speaker of the (W)Olesi Jirga of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan and Dr Shamil Alesker-Ov, Secretary General of the ECO.
While addressing the ceremony, Dr Fehmida said that the signing of the PAECO Charter marks a historic step and it reflects the shared resolve of the peoples' representatives to work together for the common prosperity in a spirit of friendship, trust and mutual understanding.
She said that proposals like the "ECO Vision 2015," which anticipated our region as a Free Trade Area by 2015; the ECO Trade Agreement; and the ECO Trade and Development Bank have all remained off-the-mark. She said that there is need to strengthen co-operation to promote trade among these countries. She said that the Intra-regional trade is less than $50 billion.
"Since time immemorial, our common bonds of history, culture, religion and commerce have closely knitted our nations together. This joint heritage provides ideal grounds for the socio-economic integration of this region," she urged. She said, "The ten ECO Member states combine to form the largest repository of human and natural resources in the world. With a total area of around 8 million Sq. kilometres, inhabited by more than 400 million people, they represent over 5% of the world's land mass and 6% of its entire population. This makes ECO nearly double the size of the European continent and almost equal in terms of its consumer market. What is more, ECO's geographical position serves as a bridge between the East and the West and makes it the "trade corridor" of the world. This great potential, however, awaits its optimum utilisation from the platform of ECO."
She said that despite sharing common borders, the inability to develop effective and reliable transport system have not allowed any two of our member states to become each other's leading trading partners. She added that it is an irony that there remains a wide gap between the Region's abundant energy resources and the acute needs of its member states, especially Pakistan. These are the shortfalls, which have contributed to the rise of poverty, illiteracy, spread of disease, unemployment, environmental degradation and lack of opportunities, she said.
Dr Fehimda said that the adverse global and regional scenarios such as challenges concerning terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, intolerance and extremism have emerged as serious threats to the region's stability, peace and security. We must join hands and show unity to curb terrorism for peace and prosperity of the region, she said. "Collectively, we can engage into a meaningful "parliamentary diplomacy" for understanding and accommodating each other for the realisation of our mutually agreed goals," she said.
Speaker of the Shoura-e-Islami of Iran Dr Ali Larijani said while addressing the ceremony said ECO countries should cooperate and strengthen their relations to promote trade, communication infrastructures, utilisation of energy and latest technology. He said that we are finalising the Iran-Pakistan Gas Pipeline Project. "We need to improve transport routes, railway tracks and trade. We should unite and use our resources with capability for the prosperity of our people."
"Iran has peaceful nuclear programme. We must unite and save our interests. We are facing terrorism and extremism in the region. Islam is the religion of peace. We should shun conflict on various sects and show unity to face our challenges," he said. Speaker of the Majlis-i-Namo-yan-da-gon of Majlis-i-Oli of Tajikistan Shukur-Jon Zuhur-Ov said that Charter of ECO countries will create reliable foundation for further consolidation of efficient co-operation in field of trade, as well as determination in spheres of economic co-operation.
Sabir Asad-Ov, Chairman of the Milli Majlis of Azarbaijan said that this new platform will play a useful role and constructive discussions will promote and ensure our common interests like peace, stability and socio-economic welfare. Jamil Chi-Chak speaker of Turkey said that the ECO countries should share common history and culture and strengthen relations to increase responsibly to achieve common goals and resolve common problems. Second Deputy Speaker of the (W) Olesi Jirga of Afghanistan said that most of the infrastructure of Afghanistan has been destroyed due to war. There are opportunities for ECO countries to invest in the country to improve its infrastructure and economy.