Iranian Minister Calls on ECO Members to Boost Rail Cooperation
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Iran's Minister of Road and Urban Development Abbas Akhondi stressed the need for the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) member states to develop cooperation in the field of rail transport.
Speaking Sunday at the 12th Meeting of Heads of ECO Railroad Authorities in Tehran, Akhondi said the ECO members' share of global trade is very tiny, which makes it necessary for these countries to enhance their cooperation in various areas, particularly in rail transport.
“ECO's share of direct foreign investment in the world is three percent,” he noted. “Therefore, we should make efforts to promote collaboration in rail transport through attracting investment in this sector.”
The 12th Meeting of Heads of ECO Railroad Authorities started on Monday and will conclude tomorrow, May 18.
The meeting aims to consider and discuss, inter alia, the latest developments with regard to the regular operation of the ECO Container trains and railroad infrastructure projects in the ECO region as well as the ways and means of promoting the regional partnership for implementation of the ECO Railway Network Development Plan.
According to ECO's official website, the railroad chiefs of all ECO members states as well as representatives from regional and international organizations such as UNECE, UNESCAP, ECO-TDB, IDB, ADB, TRACECA, OSJD and OTIF are planned to participate in the two-day meeting.
