PN Report
TANGERANG, Indonesia: Developing-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation (D-8) Secretary-General Ambassador Sohail Mahmood has called for stronger trade, investment and business cooperation among member states to achieve the organization’s target of increasing intra-D-8 trade from $157 billion in 2024 to $500 billion by 2030.
In his keynote address at the second D-8 Business Forum, organized by Indonesia’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KADIN) on October 15, Mahmood highlighted the economic potential of the nine member states, representing approximately 1.3 billion people and a combined GDP exceeding $5 trillion.
Held alongside the 41st Trade Expo Indonesia in Tangerang, the forum focused on trade expansion, supply-chain connectivity, market access and South-South cooperation.
Mahmood welcomed the completion of ratification of the D-8 Preferential Trade Agreement by all original signatories, urging members to maximize its benefits through improved trade facilitation.
He also proposed stronger cooperation in halal industries, including an integrated halal trade corridor and digital marketplace.
Emphasizing private-sector engagement, he called for closer collaboration among chambers of commerce and small businesses. The forum also announced plans for a D-8 Business Summit in 2027, ahead of the organization’s 30th anniversary.
