In view of the rapid socio-economic, political and scientific developments taking place at the regional and global
levels, and taking into account the opportunities and challenges before the Organization, it is envisioned that ECO will pave the way to a territory of integrated and sustainable economies as well as free trade area achieved by highly educated societies and improved governance through enhanced cooperation.
Sustainability
We acknowledge that any long term benefits to the peoples of the region through social and economic programs depend on long term sustainable progress, therefore we express our resolve to support the global efforts aimed at addressing the challenges facing the international community.
We acknowledge the strong interdependence between peace and development, and reiterate our firm belief that peace and stability are essential for realizing the genuine goals of sustained economic growth, sustainable development and welfare of our countries and peoples.
Integration
Representing a diverse membership and equipped with vast natural and human resources that can contribute immensely to the generation of economic activity in the region, we acknowledge that our deep-rooted historical and cultural affinities are an important factor in fostering a sense of regional integration and cooperation, which can be strengthened through policy approximation in the selected priority areas.
For purposes of further development of economic cooperation in the region, we express readiness to intensify cooperation of the ECO with the other regional economic communities, international economic and financial institutions as deemed feasible by all Member States.
Conducive Environment
Conducive economic environment in the Region is a pre-requisite for stimulating national economies of the Member Countries, boosting intra-regional cooperation and integration into the global economy. We reiterate our resolve to promote conducive environment in the region and take tangible steps to enable our people to utilize their abilities. The enabling and conducive environment for regional cooperation will be achieved through adhering to the principles of equality, equity, mutual benefits and transparency.
Cooperation Areas
To materialise the enhanced regional cooperation for economic growth and development in line with this Vision, we are determined to develop and implement strategies in trade, transport and connectivity, energy, tourism, economic growth and productivity, social welfare and environment areas during the next decade.
Trade
To double intra-regional trade increase ECO share in the global trade and specifically exports, increase share in global trade and tap regional trade potential for economic growth. The ECO Trade Agreement (ECOTA) will be operationalized and the membership of ECOTA will be increased. The scope of ECOTA will be enhanced from preferential trade to Free trade Agreement. Non-WTO Member Countries will be assisted in their accession to WTO.
Transport & Connectivity
To maximize connectivity, mobility and accessibility by making major ECO transport corridors commercially viable and operational and contribute to achieve goals of information society in the region. Transport, mobility and connectivity shall increasingly play a critical role in ensuring regional development, prosperity, social well-being, cohesiveness and realization of the Information Society
Regional transit transport infrastructure will be improved to bridge gaps and interconnect the Member Countries and the region with neighbouring regions and to reach international markets.
Existing ECO Corridors will be Operationalized and commercialized to enable increased intra and inter-regional trade.
Energy
Energy demand will grow in pace with the socio-economic development of ECO Member Countries, requiring adequate, efficient, equitable and affordable provision of energy resources and services. Identification of energy mix is the independent decision of countries according to their national circumstances and priorities. Efforts will be made for harmonisation and alignment towards regional power / electricity market within the ECO Region for harnessing benefits of larger integrated systems. Energy trade, production, consumption and transit patterns will be enhanced. Enhanced policy coherence for mainstreaming objectives of the SDGs and ‘UN sustainable energy for all’ will be encouraged.
Tourism
ECO Region has a significant potential to be one of the major tourism destinations in the world. The Region is one of the world’s richest in terms of historical and cultural heritage and echoes memoires of the ancient Silk Road. To utilize the great potential of the region, diversification and easement of tourism activities, availability of quality services and visibility of the area is a necessary requirement.
Economic Growth & Productivity
To achieve long term high level growth, knowledge and information based production through increased contribution of research and development (R&D), entrepreneurship, involvement of private sector, increased women participation and SMEs. In this context attracting foreign direct Investment will be crucial to boost region’s economic development by generating employment, developing human resources, ‘allowing resource and technology transfer’ and ‘increasing productivity and innovation’.
Social Welfare & Environment
To increase standard of living, quality of life, economic welfare and well being of people through adopting social protection and environment preservation policies in the region. This policy environment shall be created through effective national and regional policies, active involvement of all Member Countries in ECO decision making processes, and feasible and meaningful ECO relationship with the global players and stakeholders within the context of SDGs.
Implementation & Follow-Up
The “ECO Vision 2025″ will be the main agenda of the Organization for the decade (i.e. 2015-25). We therefore make every effort to realize the goals and targets set forth in this Vision. Follow-up and review mechanisms shall be set in place to ensure its continued relevance and effective implementation.
Implementation
Implementation of this vision will be streamlined through ‘Implementation Framework’. The ‘Implementation Framework’ delineates goals, activities and timelines to achieve the objectives of the ECO Vision. The relevant sectoral ECO Ministerial meetings shall also streamline their agendas and decisions for effective implementation of ECO Vision and its ‘Implementation Framework’.
Monitoring & Evaluation
The ECO Secretariat shall develop as part of the ‘Implementation Framework’, in consultation with the Member Countries, indicators/ benchmarks for the necessary assessment of implementation of the Vision document. A final review process will be initiated by the Secretariat one year preceding the target year of 2025 in close collaboration and with full involvement of ECO Member Countries in which an overall assessment and a comprehensive review will be done with the view of giving necessary inputs and a sense of direction for the next Vision.
Financial Framework
To implement the ‘ECO Vision 2025’ in a meaningful manner, there is a need for sustained and regular funding for its implementation. Adequate and predictable resource allocation is central for ECO Vision implementation. Therefore, we resolve to create an “ECO Vision Fund” to facilitate the Member States to implement the Vision. Financial resources for the Fund shall come from voluntary grants and other sources. ECO Trade and Development Bank will be engaged as appropriate.
Organizational Structure
Effective and successful implementation of the ‘Vision’ will require more efficient ECO structure. To meet this end ECO Secretariat as well as ECO Special Agencies and Regional Institutions will be streamlined and decision-making processes will be strengthened through carrying out necessary institutional reforms on the recommendations of the CPR.