D-8 Commissioner of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh Ms. Wahida Ahmed Chaired the Special Commission meeting to discuss the formation of the Working Group to tackle the economic adversities of COVID-19 virtually on 13th October 2021.

The D-8 Commissioners and representatives from the Member States participated in the discussions. In his opening remarks, the D-8 Secretary-General Ambassador Dato’ Ku Jaafar Ku Shaari highlighted the impact of COVID-19 on D-8 Member States and suggested the way forward to get over the crises through collective efforts, cooperation and innovative solutions.

The meeting decided to form a Working Group to tackle the economic adversities of COVID-19. However, a number of Member States raised queries regarding the modalities of the Working Group. It was highlighted that only Malaysia has submitted it’s comments on the ‘Concept Note’.

After detailed discussion, the meeting finally decided that all Member States will submit their views and comments to the Secretariat by 26th October 2021 on the Concept Note that had been circulated earlier.

The D-8 Secretariat will compile all the comments received. The Chair, in consultation with the Secretariat, will subsequently revise the Concept Note, which would be presented to the 44th Meeting of the D-8 Commission.