Introduction
The Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) is an intergovernmental regional organization originally established in 1964 under the name Regional Cooperation for Development (RCD) by the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, and the Republic of Türkiye. In 1985, the organization was restructured and renamed to its current form, the Economic Cooperation Organization.
ECO covers a vast region with a population exceeding 460 million and spans over 8 million square kilometers. Geographically, it serves as a strategic corridor linking North and South, East and West, connecting Asia with Europe, and Eurasia with the Arab world. Comprising countries from South Asia, Central Asia, West Asia, and the Caucasus, ECO stands as one of the oldest and most significant intergovernmental bodies in the region.
The primary objective of ECO is to create a conducive environment for sustainable economic development, thereby contributing to the collective prosperity of its Member States. In the early 1990s, the organization expanded its membership to include the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, the Republic of Azerbaijan, and five Central Asian countries: the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, the Republic of Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and the Republic of Uzbekistan.
Over the past decades, ECO has evolved into a prominent platform for economic diplomacy and regional cooperation. Member States, bound by a shared historical and cultural heritage, remain committed to deeper collaboration and enhanced connectivity. The 13th ECO Summit, held in Islamabad on 1 March 2017, was a landmark event that led to the adoption of ECO Vision 2025—a comprehensive strategic roadmap for the organization’s future. The 14th Summit, held virtually on 4 March 2021, addressed the socio-economic repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic and outlined strategic approaches for post-pandemic recovery.
Mission, Vision, and Goals
Vision Statement
In light of rapid socio-economic, political, and scientific changes at regional and global levels, ECO Vision 2025 aspires to realize:
“A region of integrated and sustainable economies, supported by highly educated societies and improved governance, achieved through enhanced cooperation and the establishment of free trade areas.”
Member States are dedicated to expanding institutional capacity, promoting project-based economic activities, and strengthening ECO institutions. Central to this vision is reinforcing the ECO Secretariat to ensure it can efficiently coordinate and implement the organization’s strategic objectives.
Core Principles
Sustainability
ECO recognizes that enduring socio-economic development is rooted in sustainability. In line with the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the organization tailors its initiatives to address the distinct needs of its Member States. It also emphasizes the link between peace and development and actively supports both regional and global efforts to promote lasting peace, particularly in Afghanistan.
Integration
With over 440 million people, the ECO region has witnessed notable economic advancements, including increased trade, higher growth rates, and poverty reduction. Member States are committed to further regional integration by leveraging shared cultural ties, harmonizing economic policies, and enhancing cooperation with other regional and international entities.
Enabling Economic Environment
A stable and growth-oriented economic climate is vital for stimulating national economies, enhancing intra-regional trade, and facilitating global integration. ECO promotes mutual benefit, equity, and transparency to empower communities to innovate, create jobs, and contribute to a sustainable economic future.
Strategic Goals
As enshrined in the Treaty of Izmir, ECO’s primary goals include:
Removing trade barriers to boost intra- and inter-regional commerce, drawing on global best practices.
Promoting trade liberalization through the ECO Trade Agreement (ECOTA) by reducing tariffs and non-tariff barriers among Member States.
Enhancing regional connectivity, particularly in transport and logistics, to support deeper economic integration.
Structure
To fulfill its mandate, ECO operates through a well-defined institutional framework that includes:
- Council of Ministers (COM):
The principal policy-making body is responsible for strategic decisions and the overall direction of the organization.
- Council of Permanent Representatives (CPR):
Composed of representatives from Member States, this council ensures coordination and monitors the implementation of ECO decisions.
- Regional Planning Council (RPC):
A technical body responsible for reviewing and evaluating regional development plans and projects.
Located in Tehran, the Secretariat functions as the executive arm of the organization, responsible for day-to-day operations, coordination, and implementation of decisions. The current Secretary General is H.E. Mr. Hadi Soleimanpour.
Member States
As stipulated in Article XIII of the Treaty of Izmir, any state with geographical proximity to the ECO region or alignment with its objectives may seek membership. ECO currently consists of 10 Member States:
- Islamic Republic of Iran
- Islamic Republic of Afghanistan
- Republic of Azerbaijan
- Republic of Kazakhstan
- Islamic Republic of Pakistan
- Republic of Tajikistan
- Republic of Türkiye
- Turkmenistan
- Kyrgyz Republic
- Republic of Uzbekistan
Observer Status
ECO grants observer status to states, organizations, and institutions that align with its goals. Current observers include:
- Turkish Cypriot State (since October 2012)
- Cooperation Council of Turkic-Speaking States (since October 2014)
- International Energy Charter (since February 2017)
The organization remains open to broadening its observer partnerships to deepen regional and global engagement
Secretariat
Address: No. 1, Golbou Alley, Kamranieh St., Tehran, Iran (map)
Phone: +98(21) 22831733-4
Fax: +98(21) 22831732
Email: registry@eco.int
Website: www.eco.int