The Developing-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation (D-8) reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening trade, investment and economic integration among Member States at the 6th Consultative Forum of Regional Cooperation Organizations (RCOs) in the OIC Region, held in Casablanca, Morocco, on 5–6 October 2026.

Represented by Dr. Ismail Bello, Executive Assistant at the D-8 Secretariat, the Organization participated in the Forum jointly convened by the Islamic Centre for Development of Trade (ICDT) and the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB). The meeting brought together regional organizations, development banks and United Nations agencies to discuss economic integration and cooperation.

The D-8 Secretariat highlighted its coordinating role in advancing the D-8 Decennial Roadmap 2020–2030 through trade facilitation, improved market access, investment promotion and stronger private-sector engagement. It underscored efforts to develop the D-8 Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) into a more comprehensive arrangement that supports expanded intra-D-8 trade and reduces barriers to commercial exchange.

The Secretariat also outlined institutional initiatives to connect businesses and attract investment, including the planned Permanent Secretariat of the D-8 Chamber of Commerce and Industry (D-8 CCI) in Istanbul. It emphasized the role of the D-8 Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) Centre in Abuja in supporting entrepreneurship, building SME competitiveness and facilitating access to regional markets and value chains.

To translate these priorities into practical outcomes, the Secretariat explored technical assistance, capacity-building and partnership opportunities with development institutions. The IsDB indicated its readiness to consider appropriate proposals from the D-8 Secretariat. Bilateral consultations on the Forum’s sidelines further addressed possible cooperation in trade facilitation, SME development and related areas.

The D-8 Secretariat reaffirmed its commitment to facilitating policy coordination, mobilizing institutional partnerships and supporting concrete initiatives that enhance trade, investment and shared prosperity among Member States. It expressed appreciation to ICDT and IsDB for convening the Forum and fostering dialogue among regional and international partners.