Islamabad, August 21, 2025(Ghufran): The Centre for Strategic Perspectives (CSP) at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) hosted a Public Address on “ECO, Regionalism and the New Geopolitical Dynamics.” Ambassador Dr. Asad Majeed Khan, Secretary General of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO), was the Guest Speaker at the event, which brought together academics, think-tank experts, and practitioners. Welcoming the Guest Speaker, Director General ISSI, Ambassador Sohail Mahmood, observed that the global environment is marked by turbulence and transformation, with major-power competition intensifying and multilateralism under stress. In contrast, regionalism remains resilient, except in regions like South Asia. He emphasized that if ECO succeeds as a model of regional cooperation, it could serve as an inspiration for South Asia. Ambassador Sohail Mahmood also underlined the significance of the 17th ECO Summit held in Khankendi, Azerbaijan (July 3–4, 2025), noting the symbolism of Karabakh—once defined by conflict—hosting a summit of transformation and hope. ECO members at the summit pledged to expand trade, enhance transport and digital corridors, deepen energy cooperation, and build climate resilience. While intra-regional trade rose to USD 96.5 billion in 2022, representing 9.1% of the region’s total trade, he pointed out the vast untapped potential and persistent challenges such as sanctions, terrorism, and regional disputes. The recent Israel-Iran conflict, he noted, has further disrupted trade and energy routes.
Highlighting Pakistan’s role as a natural conduit linking Central Asia with the Arabian Sea, Ambassador Sohail Mahmood stressed three key priorities for advancing regional integration: building resilient infrastructure, strengthening energy cooperation with a focus on clean transition, and enhancing digital connectivity to empower youth and foster innovation. Delivering the Public Address, Ambassador Asad Majeed Khan shared a comprehensive overview of ECO’s evolution from its origins as the RCD in 1964 to its expansion in 1985. He underscored ECO’s strong cultural, religious, and economic foundations for cooperation and reaffirmed that trade remains central to ECO’s relevance. He acknowledged challenges in implementing the ECO Trade Agreement (ECOTA) and the Visa Scheme but emphasized ongoing efforts to address infrastructure disparities, historic trade patterns, and geopolitical tensions. Ambassador Asad Majeed Khan warned that climate change is an existential threat for ECO states, highlighting the urgent need for joint action on renewable energy, adaptation, and water management. He also noted progress in energy connectivity projects and tourism promotion, while stressing the importance of greater private sector participation. Reflecting on the Khankendi Summit, he described it as a defining moment that renewed commitments to connectivity, trade facilitation, and sustainable development. Ambassador Inam-ul-Haq, Former Foreign Minister of Pakistan, also addressed the gathering, reiterating ECO’s potential as a vehicle for regional integration. He emphasized the need for coordinated regional strategies to tackle common challenges, particularly climate change and energy security. He urged member states to enhance South-South cooperation by pooling resources and expertise rather than relying exclusively on external support. Pakistan, he noted, could play a catalytic role in shaping such collaborative responses.
The event concluded with an interactive discussion covering issues such as regional trade, energy cooperation, digital innovation, education, youth empowerment, and emerging non-traditional security challenges. In his closing remarks, Ambassador Khalid Mahmood, Chairman ISSI, thanked the Guest Speaker, commended the contributions of participants, and presented a memento to Ambassador Asad Majeed Khan.