General Assembly Conference of the Parliamentary Assembly of Economic Cooperation Organization

Islamabad; 31 May 2021 – The three-day General Assembly Conference of the Parliamentary Assembly of Economic Cooperation Organization (PAECO) started here on Monday with the preliminary meetings held among visiting delegates from the member countries.

The conference titled “Promoting Parliamentary Partnership for Regional Integration” is the PAECO General Assembly’s second sitting, being hosted by the National Assembly of Pakistan.

Assembly speakers from the member countries, including Afghanistan, Turkey, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan are attending the conference, while Iranian and Turkmen speakers will join via video link, according to the official schedule of the conference shared with the media.

On June 1 (Tuesday), President Dr Arif Alvi is scheduled to attend the conference as the chief guest, whereas NA Speaker Asad Qaiser will deliver the welcome address, following which the floor will be open for the speakers of Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Iran, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkey, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan for their addresses.

The participants will explore ways and means to further promote the existing parliamentary cooperation among the member countries, besides increased economic ties in diverse fields, including trade and tourism.

On first day at the breakout session, a panel-level discussion on ‘regional connectivity’ will be held in which women parliamentarians will participate.

The conference will also debate on improved role of the women parliamentarians in tackling the challenges of climate change.

The participants will also exchange views on impacts of coronavirus pandemic in achieving the targets of lasting development and growth.

On last day of the conference (June 2), the participants will debate on increasing the trade contacts and easing the corridor trade among the member countries, besides promoting bilateral coordination, tourism activities and alleviating poverty.

There will also be a panel-discussion on the parliamentary role to promote tourism in the ECO region.

The conference will conclude with the vote of thanks by NA Speaker Asad Qaiser, chief guest and heads of the visiting delegations.