KARACHI: The chambers of commerce and industry of Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) member countries have emphasized on enhancing the connectivity and promotion of regional tourism prospects, a press release said.

The Chambers proposed harmonization of visa regime, implementation of ECO Visa Sticker Scheme and White Card Scheme, holding of ECO Tourism Forum, Investment in tourism related projects, health tourism, religion tourism, holding of tourism exhibitions and sharing of tourism aspects etc.

The first session of Specialized Committee meetings of ECO Chamber of Commerce & Industry (ECO-CCI) commenced at Federation House, Karachi attended by representatives of the Chambers of Commerce and Industry of 9 member countries Afghanistan, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Pakistan and Tajikistan.

The participants agreed for sharing of tourism prospects and hotel owners and tourist operator’s information on ECO-CCI website through respective national chamber.

The participants also agreed for joint activities including exhibitions, seminars, training programs and enhancing of interaction amongst the women entrepreneurs of ECO-CCI through web portal and social media.

CPEC opportunities were also discussed for enhancing connectivity as 7 out of 10 countries of ECO are landlocked countries. Moreover, the participants suggested training session for traders and transporters.

The Specialized Committee on Arbitration underlined the need of establishment of Arbitration Centre of OIC countries in Istanbul, Turkey as agreed in order to facilitate member nations.

Moreover, member countries suggested ECO-CCI to study the model of EU, ASEAN and SAARC for establishment of Arbitration Centre which are successfully operationalized and efficiently working to resolve the commercial disputes related to trade and investment. Moreover, the participants emphasized to maintain the creditability of the jury and implementation of the decisions on merit of the arbitration center for its success.