Secretary-General of the Developing-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation (D-8) Ambassador Sohail Mahmood received a delegation of Al-Hidayah Group, led by its Chairman and former D-8 Secretary-General, Dato’ Ku Jaafar Ku Shaari, at the D-8 Secretariat in Istanbul.
D-8, Al-Hidayah Group discuss digital trade, investment cooperation
ISLAMABAD, Oct 15 (APP): Secretary-General of the Developing-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation (D-8) Ambassador Sohail Mahmood received a delegation of Al-Hidayah Group, led by its Chairman and former D-8 Secretary-General, Dato’ Ku Jaafar Ku Shaari, at the D-8 Secretariat in Istanbul.
The meeting provided an opportunity to review progress under the Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) signed between the D-8 Secretariat and the Al-Hidayah Group in July 2023, particularly the initiatives being developed to promote digital economic cooperation, financial inclusion, trade and investment, and sustainable development across D-8 Member States, said a press release.
During the meeting, the delegation briefed the Secretary-General on progress in developing its proposed economic model, including an integrated digital platform designed to facilitate cross-border trade and investment, enhance SME market access, promote financial inclusion, and mobilize resources for productive economic activities.
The Group highlighted the model’s potential to stimulate economic growth, expand business opportunities, and contribute to higher GDP across D-8 Member States upon successful implementation, while supporting poverty reduction and sustainable development.
The Secretary-General appreciated the delegation’s briefing and acknowledged the efforts of Al-Hidayah Group in elaborating their initiative.
He highlighted the importance of practical, commercially-viable and inclusive platforms that complement the D-8’s economic cooperation agenda and contribute to deeper private-sector participation, digital transformation, and sustainable economic growth among Member States.
Both sides exchanged views on potential next steps, including continued consultations with relevant institutions and stakeholders in Member States, with a view to identifying opportunities for advancing the proposed initiatives in accordance with the priorities and regulatory frameworks of the broader D-8 membership.
The meeting underscored mutual interest in sustaining constructive engagement under the existing Memorandum of Cooperation and exploring practical avenues to strengthen economic linkages and promote shared prosperity across the D-8 geography.
