ASHGABAT – Turkmenistan has initiated a significant proposal aimed at fostering regional integration within the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) by establishing economic corridors. This initiative was introduced by Turkmen Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov during the annual ECO foreign ministers' meeting, which was chaired by the Iranian Foreign Minister.

According to Trend News Agency, Minister Meredov emphasized the importance of these corridors in facilitating the efficient transportation of goods and resources across the ECO region. He advocated for the adoption of modern technologies through the proposed corridors and highlighted the need for a Framework Agreement on Digital Technologies and Electronic Commerce within the ECO. Meredov's proposal also includes the establishment of an information portal to serve as a hub for data, statistics, and prototypes of business projects, aiming to enhance multilateral cooperation.

The minister outlined the potential benefits of such integration, including increased trade volumes and the promotion of partnerships between small and medium-sized enterprises across various sectors. Moreover, he discussed the importance of coordinated transport diplomacy and collaboration with international organizations to establish interregional transport corridors and multimodal transport links with key ports and logistics centers in Central Asia.

Meredov reiterated Turkmenistan’s dedication to the ECO’s objectives and expressed the country's readiness to engage cooperatively with all member states. The ECO, established in 1985 by Iran, Pakistan, and Türkiye, aims to promote economic, technical, and cultural cooperation among its members. It expanded in 1992 to include Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan.