Taliban Minister Signals Transit Cooperation at ECO Trade Meeting
During the fifth ministerial meeting of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) held in Istanbul, Turkey, Nooruddin Azizi, the Taliban administration’s Minister of Industry and Commerce, announced Afghanistan’s readiness to actively participate in regional trade and transit projects.
According to a statement from the Ministry’s press office, the event was attended by trade ministers from ECO member states and focused on expanding economic cooperation, enhancing regional trade, and strengthening joint initiatives.
Prior to the main session, senior experts from member countries held two days of consultations and negotiations on issues such as trade facilitation, customs, investment, and reviewing trade agreements. The outcomes of these discussions were presented during the ministerial meeting.
In his speech, Azizi highlighted Afghanistan’s strategic geographic position, describing the country as a key regional transit hub, and expressed the Taliban administration’s desire to play a more active role in regional programs.
Key documents were approved during the session, including the ECO Trade Agreement (ECOTA) amendment strategy, the trade facilitation instrument, a roadmap for free trade among member states, and ECO’s ten-year development vision for 2026 to 2035.
Economic institutions believe that endorsing these programs could reduce customs barriers, boost free trade, and strengthen economic ties among the region’s countries. Afghanistan also secured the support of member states for expanding transit cooperation, easing trade, and attracting foreign investment.
Azizi invited ECO to hold its next ministerial trade meeting in Kabul, emphasizing Afghanistan’s full readiness to host the regional event.
Although the Taliban administration is seeking regional legitimacy through such forums, the lack of transparency and an accountable governmental structure continues to raise serious concerns about Afghanistan’s capacity for effective implementation and active participation in these processes.
