The Secretary-General of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) said: “Maku, Iran’s largest free trade zone, has vast potential for regional economic integration, and its strategic location between Turkey and Azerbaijan makes it an ideal center for investment in logistics, agriculture, mining, and tourism.”
Speaking at the “International Conference on The Role of Diplomacy in The Economic Development of Maku Free Zone” at the IRIB Conference Center, Asad Majid Khan stated that advanced infrastructure, including a rail connection to Turkey from Maku, could increase the attractiveness of the region for global investors. He added: ECO, consisting of 10 countries from South, West, and Central Asia and the Caucasus, accounts for about 3.4 percent of global trade, which is very insignificant.
Maku Summit Is a Vital Opportunity for Regional Convergence.
Stating that the lack of business networking and regional convergence increase the costs of trade, he said: “We believe that this summit is a vital opportunity to address these challenges and that by using diplomacy, we can play a special role in economic development and political exchanges and creating a more conducive environment for trade.” Majid Khan considered the rich cultural heritage of the West Asian region to be the result of the Iranian, Ottoman and Mongol civilizations, adding: “Shared values, traditions and histories have provided a high motivation for people around the world to travel to ECO member countries.”
The Inextricable Link Between Culture and Art with Industry and Trade
The ECO Secretary-General stated: Cultural diplomacy plays a decisive role not only in strengthening the global standing, national authority and reducing security threats of each country, but also in creating an environment conducive to facilitating trade and commerce and opening up new economic links.
Majid Khan emphasized: “Commonalities in our traditions, languages and values, whether in hospitality, shared festivals or cuisine, are a good reason and a strong foundation for successful economic interaction.”
He said: “By reviving ancient trade routes such as the Silk Road, an important economic corridor and a famous cultural symbol, we can revive the connections that once connected the East to the West and strengthen intercultural understanding and cooperation.”
