Saman Zulfqar
THE recently held Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) summit in Islamabad has renewed the debate about regional connectivity as is evident from the theme of the summit “Connectivity for Regional Prosperity.†While reviewing the progress as well as limitations in implementing the ECO objectives and projects, heads of states outlined future agenda by signing the Islamabad Declaration. The declaration emphasized the need to harness economic development, prosperity, regional integration and peace and stability in the region. They also deliberated upon the ways and means to augment cooperation in the areas of connectivity, trade, energy, tourism, investment, industry, economic growth and environment. Moreover, education and scientific linkages, cultural as well as people to people contacts within ECO countries were considered equally important and needs to be addressed. ECO as a trilateral organization was established in 1985 with Iran, Turkey and Pakistan as the founding members. It was formed after due consideration of member states which founded its forerunner, Regional Cooperation for Development (RCD) in 1964 that remained in existence during (1964-1979). It was restructured and revived with the new name ECO. The treaty of Izmir that was signed in 1977 as the legal framework for RCD was adopted as a basic Charter of ECO after modification. After the disintegration of Soviet Union, five Central Asian Republics along with Afghanistan and Azerbaijan joined the ECO. Enhanced economic cooperation among member states of ECO depends on intra-regional trade. Contrary to ECO Vision 2015, that set the goal of 20 percent intra-regional trade, the ECO Statistical Report 2015, shows that in 2012 the intra-regional trade among member states accounted for 8.9 percent of the total foreign trade of the region. Data from the decade (2002-2012) shows that intra-regional trade has expanded gradually from 5.3 percent to 8.9 percent. ECO member states are committed to cooperate for removal of tariff and non-tariff barriers in trade among member states to establish Free Trade Area in the ECO region. As compared to the potential, trade volume among member states has remained low due to some notable factors that have hindered the intra-regional trade. Most prominent of them has been the Afghanistan issue that kept the neighbouring states preoccupied with it. Pakistan as a frontline state in War on Terror has incurred human as well as material losses and the most notable have been the economic losses. Iran has been facing sanctions and its trade potential could not be materialized fully during the past decade. As regards Central Asia, as of 2013, intra-regional trade of the Central Asian Republics (CARs) accounted for only 6.2 percent of the total trade. The reason for lack of intra-regional trade is political distrust resulting from resource sharing conflicts, particularly over water and energy. Apart from inter-state disputes, lack of physical connectivity among CARs has also been a contributing factor in lower intra-regional trade. To enhance regional connectivity, Central Asian states have joined One Belt One Road (OBOR) initiative of China that would not only enhance intra-regional connectivity but would lead to trans-regional connectivity and by becoming a part of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), this connectivity can be enhanced to Iran and Turkey.
Moreover, the ECO states were part of old Silk Route, the ancient trade route which was one of the oldest and historically important trade route slinking the regions of the ancient world stretching from China through Indian subcontinent, Asia Minor, Mesopotamia to the African Continent and Europe. Apart from its economic and commercial significance, the greatest value of Silk Route lies in exchange of culture, science and technology.
Regional connectivity is not an end in itself but it is a means to achieve the end of socio-economic development of the regions. The connectivity in the ECO region would ensure economic sustainability and social prosperity that is not possible without mobility and connectivity which is prerequisite for achieving socio-economic goals. Moreover, connectivity enhances the prospects for tourism that in addition to economic benefits ensures the development of cultural dialogue among nations. Unlike the other regional organizations except EU, ECO states share many common characteristics such as historical and cultural linkages, religion, and above all there is no long-standing conflict among member states that could hamper the progress so there is need to have political will to implement the projects in true spirit.