The Developing-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation (D-8) pledged to enhance trade, investment, and economic integration among its member states during the 6th Consultative Forum of Regional Cooperation Organizations in the OIC Region. Dr. Ismail Bello represented the D-8 at the meeting, which was hosted in Casablanca, Morocco, on 5 and 6 October.
The Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) and the Islamic Centre for Development of Trade jointly organized the two-day event. During the proceedings, the D-8 Secretariat emphasized its role in coordinating the D-8 Decennial Roadmap 2020–2030.
Officials from the Secretariat also stressed plans to transform the D-8 Preferential Trade Agreement into a more extensive framework. Istanbul is designated as the planned site for a Permanent Secretariat of the D-8 Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
The organization maintains an SME Centre in Abuja to support smaller businesses. Bilateral talks at the forum explored ways to facilitate trade and develop small and medium enterprises.
The IsDB stated it is prepared to review suitable proposals submitted by the D-8 Secretariat.
