D-8 drives regional economic growth
The member states of the Developing-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation (D-8), which was virtually inactive, have renewed efforts to strengthen regional cooperation through improved mobility and visa facilitation.
The meeting, organised by the Developing-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation Secretariat and chaired by Bangladesh, brought together D-8 Commissioners and senior officials from member states to discuss practical measures for facilitating visa and travel procedures as well as enhancing connectivity across the region.
According to a press release issued on Monday, the discussions centred on simplifying travel arrangements for businesspersons, government officials and holders of diplomatic and official passports in order to strengthen trade, investment and people-to-people contacts among the member countries.
In his opening remarks, D-8 Secretary-General Ambassador Sohail Mahmood said improved mobility and streamlined travel procedures were essential for advancing economic integration and institutional cooperation within the bloc.
He noted that simplified visa arrangements could directly contribute to stronger trade and investment ties, faster implementation of joint projects and deeper private sector engagement across the D-8 geography.
The Secretary-General also highlighted the growing significance of “soft connectivity”, saying the initiative was aligned with the priorities outlined in the D-8 Decennial Roadmap 2020-2030, particularly the target of expanding intra-D-8 trade and deepening economic cooperation.
During the consultation, member states reviewed the implementation status of the “Agreement on Simplification of Visa Procedures for the Businessmen of the D-8 Member States” and examined ways to facilitate travel for accredited businesspersons and officials.
Officials exchanged views on the legal, technical and operational aspects of visa facilitation while stressing the need for practical and mutually beneficial arrangements to improve regional connectivity and mobility.
Bangladesh and several member states are also seeking to revitalise the D-8 grouping, which in recent years had received comparatively limited international attention despite its economic ambitions.
Diplomats involved in the process say the renewed emphasis on connectivity and trade reflects a broader effort to strengthen South-South cooperation among Muslim-majority developing nations.
Turkiye has reportedly played an active role in encouraging renewed diplomatic engagement within the bloc, particularly through expanded economic and strategic cooperation with member countries, including Bangladesh.
In recent times, Ankara has sought to intensify diplomatic engagement with member states, partly with the aim of expanding the market for its defence-sector products in those countries.
As part of that effort, Turkiye has increased its engagement with Bangladesh as well.
There have been discussions about possible drone sales, while reports also suggest that Indonesia is considering purchasing Turkiye’s KAAN fifth-generation fighter jet.
Over the past several decades, the D-8 has established itself as an effective economic platform in the international arena.
The bloc mainly focuses on strengthening cooperation in key sectors such as trade, agriculture, food security, industry and energy.
The organisation’s highest policymaking body is the summit of heads of state and government of member countries, which is held regularly.
As a notable example of South-South cooperation, the D-8 is currently working to increase its share in global trade and expand duty-free trade facilities among member states.
Meanwhile, former US diplomat to Bangladesh John F Danilovich welcomed the renewed discussions on visa facilitation, describing the initiative as a positive step towards overcoming practical barriers to cooperation among D-8 countries.
Writing on his official X account, Danilovich said, “This is a most welcome initiative.
There are practical impediments to cooperation that need to be overcome, starting with visas.
It is great to see these small steps that will help the citizens of D-8 countries to interact more freely.”
Founded formally on 15 June 1997 following an initiative led by former Turkish Prime Minister Necmettin Erbakan, the D-8 comprises Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Nigeria, Pakistan and Turkiye.
The organisation works to promote trade expansion, economic cooperation and sustainable development among member states, with its headquarters located in Istanbul.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Tuesday sought the support of member states of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in resolving the longstanding Rohingya crisis.
He made the call when ambassadors and high commissioners of OIC member countries stationed in Dhaka paid a courtesy call on him at his office in the Cabinet Division at the Secretariat.
During the meeting, the diplomats congratulated Tarique Rahman on assuming office as Prime Minister and reaffirmed their countries’ commitment to strengthening cooperation with Bangladesh across a range of sectors.
The OIC member states expressed interest in enhancing bilateral collaboration in investment, trade, education, healthcare, textiles and the pharmaceutical industry, the Deputy Press Secretary said.
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman welcomed the remarks and thanked the OIC countries for their continued support to Bangladesh on behalf of the government and the people of the country.
Recalling the close and brotherly relations maintained with OIC member states during the tenure of Ziaur Rahman, the Prime Minister expressed optimism that those ties would deepen further in the coming years.
Envoys from Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, Palestine, Algeria, Brunei, Egypt, Indonesia, Kuwait, Malaysia, Maldives, Morocco, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates attended the meeting, alongside heads of mission from Iran, Iraq and Libya.
