Egypt’s ratification completes the process for all eight founding Member States, injecting fresh momentum into efforts to boost intra-D-8 trade to USD 500 billion by 2030

ISTANBUL, OCT 9 /DNA/ – The Developing-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation (D-8) has achieved a landmark milestone with the ratification of the D-8 Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) by the Arab Republic of Egypt, completing ratification by all eight original signatory Member States.

The development underscores the collective commitment of D-8 Member States to deepen economic integration, enhance trade connectivity, and unlock opportunities for sustainable and inclusive growth across the group.

Signed on 13 May 2006 at the Fifth D-8 Summit in Bali, Indonesia, the PTA entered into force on 25 August 2011, with implementation commencing on 1 July 2016. Egypt ratified the Agreement on 16 June 2026 and formally submitted its Instrument of Ratification to the D-8 Secretariat in October 2026. With this step, Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Nigeria, Pakistan and Türkiye have now completed their respective ratification processes.

A Flagship Instrument for Economic Cooperation

As the flagship instrument of D-8 economic cooperation, the PTA provides for preferential tariff reductions, improved market access and enhanced trade facilitation. Its effective implementation is expected to stimulate intra-D-8 trade, strengthen regional value chains, and create new opportunities for businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises.

The milestone lends fresh impetus to the realization of the ambitious target of USD 500 billion in intra-D-8 trade by 2030 under the D-8 Decennial Roadmap 2020–2030. Building on the Cairo Declaration on D-8 Trade Cooperation adopted in December 2025, Member States are also exploring a broader trade framework, including the possibility of a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement.

Secretary-General Welcomes Development

D-8 Secretary-General Ambassador Sohail Mahmood warmly welcomed the development and expressed sincere appreciation to the Government of the Arab Republic of Egypt and all original signatory Member States for their steadfast commitment to the Organization’s shared goals of enhanced economic cooperation and trade expansion.

The D-8 Secretariat will continue working closely with Member States to advance effective PTA implementation, expand preferential trade coverage, strengthen customs cooperation, and intensify private-sector participation.

The completion of ratification by all original signatories marks a new chapter in translating the D-8’s collective economic potential into tangible benefits for its Member States and their people.