D-8 states pledge to promote mutual trade

* Jamali urges more trade among D-8 nations
* Says Pakistan committed to WTO process and hopes for its early revival

TEHRAN: The fourth summit of the D-8 adopted a 34-point declaration with a commitment to promote economic cooperation, peace, solidarity, mutual respect and tolerance by the member states.

The declaration called the impact of globalisation and development uneven and said disparities continued to disfavour the developing world and many developing countries were being marginalised.

The declaration called on the World Trade Organisation (WTO) to apply a non-discriminatory attitude and urged all WTO member states to avoid measures and practices contrary to the spirit of a multilateral trading system.

The declaration urged the development of a framework to facilitate trade among the D-8 countries to eventually establish free trade among member countries.

It asked member countries to expedite the ratification of an agreement to simplify visa procedures for businessmen.

Addressing the summit earlier, Prime Minister Zafarullah Jamali on Wednesday urged the D-8 nations to take steps to giving momentum to the economic activity by removing mutual trade barriers. Prime Minister Jamali urged more cooperation to eliminate tariffs, harmonise standards and simplify custom procedures, improve transportation and communication, increase cooperation among the central banks, provide affordable healthcare and strengthen the D-8 Coordinating Unit based in Istanbul.

However, he said, the failure of the WTO Ministerial Meeting in Cancum was a setback to global trade liberalisation. “Pakistan is fully committed to the WTO process and hopes that it would be revived soon”.

The prime minister said a deep feeling of injustice prevailed in the Islamic world. “The belief persists that Muslims are misunderstood and their legitimate aspirations ignored.” Referring to the occupation in Palestine and Kashmir, the prime minister said, “It has given rise to the feeling of abandonment and desperation among the Muslims. There is a need and urgency to resolve these conflicts justly and fairly.” “The principles of the UN Charter should be applied without discrimination,” Prime Minister Jamali said. He said the international community should help resolve the political disputes affecting the Muslim world. Mr Jamali said Pakistan was committed to combating all forms of terrorism. —APP

Home | Main