Minister reiterates Pakistan’s resolve to achieve objectives

Calls for speedy implementation of agreements signed under D-8

ISLAMABAD: Minister of State for Revenue Muhammad Hammad Azhar has reiterated Pakistan’s strong commitment and continued support for achieving the objectives of the Developing Eight (D-8) Organisation for Economic Cooperation.

The minister is heading Pakistan’s delegation to the 18th Session of the D-8 Council of Foreign Ministers being held at Antalya, Turkey.

Speaking at the plenary session of the meeting, he highlighted the role being played by Pakistan in the D-8 for the realisation of its vision.



In order to achieve tangible progress, he called for speedy implementation of agreements signed under the D-8, in context of preferential trade; developing small and medium enterprises; simplification of customs and visa matters; and cooperation in increasing communication linkages.

He also underscored the need for increasing the intra-D-8 trade and highlighted business-friendly policies of the government and availability of numerous investment opportunities as well as human resources.

The minister also informed the participants about the projects being carried out in Pakistan under the China- Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).



“Under the leadership of Prime Minister Imran Khan, the new government is fully committed to building a changed, reformed, ‘New Pakistan’, by improving framework of transparency and accountability, enhancing ease of doing business, and upgrading governance structures,” he added.

Azhar also held bilateral meetings with the foreign minister of Turkey and the deputy foreign minister of Malaysia on the sidelines of the event.

During the interactions, views were exchanged on increasing trade and commercial cooperation, both in the bilateral context as well as under the umbrella of the D-8 Organisation for Economic Cooperation.