Integration based on common economic interests is a key element of future vision, Japarov was quoted as saying in a statement issued by his office.

He outlined a vision for the core areas of development cooperation within this format that includes trade, transport and logistics, energy security and information and communication sectors.

Uzbekistan, meanwhile, advocated creation of interregional transit hubs, development of modern transport and road infrastructure, optimisation of transport and transit tariffs, simplification of conditions for international freight and passenger traffic and introduction of digitalisation in the transport industry.

Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev put forward an initiative on active joint development of green economy, wide introduction of resource-saving technologies in industrial sectors and achievement of carbon neutrality.

The ECO countries today are the largest trade partners of Uzbekistan. Trade turnover between Uzbekistan and ECO countries totaled $12.3 billion last year and $5.8 billion in January-July 2023, according to information about the summit on the ECO website.

Inter-governmental organisation ECO was founded by Turkiye, Pakistan and Iran in 1985 to serve as a platform to discuss and improve development and promote trade and investment opportunities. It has seven other members: Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS)