Egypt’s ratification marks a significant achievement in advancing trade cooperation and economic integration among D-8 Member States

The Developing-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation (D-8) has achieved a significant milestone following the ratification of the D-8 Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) by the Arab Republic of Egypt, completing ratification by all eight original signatory Member States. This landmark underscores the collective commitment of D-8 Member States to deepen economic integration, enhance trade connectivity, and unlock opportunities for sustainable and inclusive growth.

Signed on 13 May 2006 at the Fifth D-8 Summit in Bali, Indonesia, the PTA entered into force on 25 August 2011, with implementation commencing on 1 July 2016. Egypt ratified the Agreement on 16 June 2026 and formally submitted its Instrument of Ratification to the D-8 Secretariat in October 2026. Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Nigeria, Pakistan and Türkiye have now completed their respective ratification processes.

The D-8 Secretary-General, Ambassador Sohail Mahmood, warmly welcomed this development and expressed sincere appreciation to the Government of the Arab Republic of Egypt and all original signatory Member States for their steadfast commitment to the Organization’s shared goals of enhanced economic cooperation and trade expansion.

As a flagship instrument of D-8 economic cooperation, the PTA provides for preferential tariff reductions, improved market access and enhanced trade facilitation. Its effective implementation can stimulate intra-D-8 trade, strengthen regional value chains, and create new opportunities for businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises. The milestone lends the fresh impetus to realization of the ambitious target of USD 500 billion in intra D-8 trade by 2030 under the D-8 Decennial Roadmap 2020-2030. Building on the Cairo Declaration on D-8 Trade Cooperation adopted in December 2025, Member States are exploring a broader trade framework, including the possibility of a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement.

The D-8 Secretariat will continue working closely with Member States to advance effective PTA implementation, expand preferential trade coverage, strengthen customs cooperation, and intensify private-sector participation.

The completion of ratification by all original signatories marks a new chapter in translating the D-8’s collective economic potential into tangible benefits for its Member States and their people.