The Secretariat of the Developing-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation (D-8) convened a high-level virtual meeting to discuss matters relating to visa arrangements aimed at facilitating mobility, enhancing connectivity, and deepening economic cooperation among the D-8 Member States.

The Meeting, chaired by the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, brought together D-8 Commissioners and senior representatives of Member States to deliberate on proposals for easing travel arrangements among participating countries.

In his remarks, H.E. Ambassador Sohail Mahmood, Secretary-General of the D-8 Organization, emphasized that improved mobility and streamlined travel procedures were essential for advancing economic integration, strengthening institutional cooperation, and promoting greater private sector engagement across the D-8 region.

The Secretary-General added that streamlined visa and travel arrangements would contribute directly to stronger trade and investment links, accelerated project implementation, enhanced institutional coordination, and increased people-to-people contacts across the D-8 geography.

Highlighting the growing importance of ‘soft connectivity,’ Ambassador Sohail Mahmood noted that this proposed approach aligned with the priorities set out in the D-8 Decennial Roadmap 2020-2030, particularly the Organization’s objective to expand intra-D-8 trade and deepen economic integration.

The meeting reviewed the implementation status of “Agreement on Simplification of Visa Procedures for the Businessmen of the D-8 Member States”; noted existing bilateral arrangements for visa exemption for holders of Diplomatic and Official/Service passports; and considered way to facilitate the accredited business-persons.

Member States exchanged views on the legal, technical, and operational aspects of the subject, while underscoring the importance of developing practical and mutually-beneficial arrangements that would contribute to greater mobility, connectivity, economic cooperation, and P2P linkages.

The Secretary-General reaffirmed the readiness of the D-8 Secretariat to continue facilitating consultations and providing technical coordination support to advance the process.

The Developing-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation (D-8) comprises Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Nigeria, Pakistan, Türkiye, and Azerbaijan, and is dedicated to promoting economic cooperation, trade expansion, and sustainable development among its Member States.