The Organization for Economic Cooperation Gathered in Istanbul After a 14-Year Break

Евгения Комарова Politics
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From November 24 to 26, 2025, the 5th meeting of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) took place in Istanbul, marking the first such event in 14 years. The main goal of the event was to strengthen economic integration in the region. Ministers and diplomats from the member countries participated in the meeting, including Turkey's Minister of Trade, Ömer Bolat. This was reported by Chyngyz Esengul uulu, the trade representative of Kyrgyzstan in Turkey.

Kyrgyzstan presented its proposals regarding the digitalization of trade processes, the expansion of electronic data exchange, as well as the development of unified customs standards and the updating of the ECOTA agreement in accordance with current requirements.

Photo of Chyngyz Esengul uulu, the trade representative of Kyrgyzstan in Turkey.
During the three-day program, issues of deepening economic integration, increasing the volume of intra-regional trade, and cooperation in the field of trade and customs regulation were discussed. Meetings of ministers and sessions of a high-level expert group were held.



Photo of Chyngyz Esengul uulu, the trade representative of Kyrgyzstan in Turkey.



Photo of Chyngyz Esengul uulu, the trade representative of Kyrgyzstan in Turkey.

During the meeting, a memorandum of understanding was signed regarding the trade facilitation strategy, involving Kyrgyzstan, Iran, Pakistan, and Turkey. This document aims to simplify customs procedures, improve information exchange, and expand digital solutions in trade.

Photo of Chyngyz Esengul uulu, the trade representative of Kyrgyzstan in Turkey.
Additionally, a decision was made to establish a Technical Committee to negotiate the updating of the ECOTA agreement, with these negotiations set to begin in the first quarter of 2026. A new roadmap aimed at creating a free trade area within the ECO space was approved.

Photo of Chyngyz Esengul uulu, the trade representative of Kyrgyzstan in Turkey.
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