ISTANBUL, OCT 20 (DNA) – Addressing the ninth summit of the Developing Eight (D-8) Organization in Istanbul on Friday, Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi noted that the organisation had fallen short of meeting its trade and economic goals.

The D-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation aims to facilitate cooperation in the field of development. It includes Bangladesh, Iran, Turkey, Malaysia, Egypt, Indonesia and Nigeria.

“Twenty years ago, a shared vision motivated the leaders of our countries to establish this organisation to promote cooperation in the key areas of agriculture, industry, small and medium-sized enterprises, trade, transport, energy and tourism,” he said. “However, the progress achieved so far falls short of our expectations.”

The prime minister noted the need to identify impediments that had stood in the way of achieving the organisation’s objectives and urged members to take measures to strengthen the partnership between them.

Abbasi urged the member countries to focus on the implementation of projects for development, progress and prosperity of the people of the member countries, expressing hope for greater economic cooperation.

The prime minister also highlighted the need for member countries to have a louder voice on the international platform, the state-run broadcaster added.

While handing over the chairmanship of the organisation to Turkey, PM Abbasi assured that the country would have Pakistan’s full backing and support in achieving the organisation’s aims.