Istanbul (TDI): The Secretary-General of the Developing-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation (D-8) has held a series of bilateral meetings with senior officials from member states and international institutions on the sidelines of the 42nd COMCEC Ministerial Session and B57Plus Business Leaders’ Summit in Istanbul, focusing on expanding trade, investment and economic connectivity.
In a statement shared on social media, the secretary-general said the two events highlighted the importance of trade financing, mobilizing capital from Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) member states and strengthening private-sector partnerships to enhance economic resilience.
During an interaction with Turkish Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz, the D-8 chief conveyed appreciation for Türkiye’s continued support for regional economic cooperation within the organization’s framework.
The secretary-general also held bilateral discussions with Bangladesh Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir on the effective implementation and expansion of the D-8 Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA).
The discussions covered reducing tariff and non-tariff barriers, improving trade facilitation, exploring comprehensive trade arrangements and easing mobility for business communities.
In a meeting with Iranian Economy Minister Seyed Ali Madanizadeh, the two sides explored ways to strengthen trade and investment flows, improve financial connectivity and develop institutional mechanisms to facilitate economic cooperation.
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Talks with Indonesian Vice Minister of Trade Dyah Roro Esti focused on implementing the D-8 PTA, expanding cooperation in the halal economy and encouraging greater private-sector engagement. They also discussed priorities for Indonesia’s upcoming D-8 presidency and the 2027 summit.
The D-8 secretary-general separately met Yousef Hassan Khalawi, Secretary-General of the Islamic Chamber of Commerce and Development (ICCD), to explore closer institutional collaboration in investment facilitation, trade promotion, halal industries, support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and business connectivity.
Across the meetings, the secretary-general reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to implementing the D-8 Decennial Roadmap 2020–2030, particularly its target of increasing intra-D-8 trade to $500 billion by 2030.
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He emphasized the need to translate shared economic priorities into practical outcomes through effective trade agreements, reduced barriers and stronger partnerships among businesses in member countries.
The discussions reflect the D-8’s efforts to deepen economic integration among its members and strengthen trade and investment links through regional cooperation and greater private-sector participation.
