'Transport, communication infrastructure should be furnished in ECO region'

ISLAMABAD: To beef up trade and investment in the region that falls under Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO), President Dr. Arif Alvi has called for further strengthening transport and communication infrastructure.

Talking to Secretary General to Economic Cooperation Organization Dr. Hadi Soleimanpour in Islamabad on Thursday, he said this region has the potential and capacity to function as a bridge between North and South as well as Europe and Asia, Radio Pakistan reported.

“Pakistan is upgrading its railway and road infrastructures to facilitate smooth flow of goods to its neighbours and to promote trade opportunities within the region, ” Alvi said.

A day earlier, Prime Minister Imran Khan also met Dr. Hadi Soleimanpour and assured that Pakistan would extend complete cooperation to the ECO.

According to official statement, the secretary general briefed PM Imran about background and activities of the ECO and underscored its importance as a regional economic organization aimed at enhanced regional social contacts, trade liberalization and greater connectivity.

He also expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister for providing opportunity to apprise him of his ideals of an active and vibrant ECO.