6thMeeting of Heads of Privatization Agencies of ECO Member Stateswith participation of delegates from 10 countries, took place in the capital of Republic of Azerbaijan, Baku.

Public Relations liaison of Iran Privatization Organization reported 6thMeeting of Heads of Privatization Agencies of ECO Member States with participation of delegates from 10 countries, took place in the capital of Republic of Azerbaijan, Baku. In this one-day conference head of privatization from 10 member states of ECO including Islamic Republic of Iran, Turkey, Pakistan, Republic of Azerbaijan, Afghanistan, Turkmenistan, Kirghizstan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan came together in order to hasten improvements in Privatization in the regionthrough collateral cooperation.

Reviewing decisions of the past meetings, revision of trade chambers and industry of member countries, enhancement of cooperation, role of private investment in energy, communication and other infrastructural segments, competition and participation of private sector in building infrastructures, collaboration of stock exchanges of ECO member states and role of private sector in attracting foreign investments were among subjects covered in the conference.

Secretary General of ECO, Dr. Hadi Soleimanpoiur in the ceremony of beginning of the meeting implied after globalization, regional cooperation is the main solution for avoidance of marginalization of middle economies. According to which ECO plays a significant role in improvement of regional cooperation and enhancement of economies of the member states.

General Secretary of ECO recommended a meeting among Privatization Organizations in ECO member states, regional investors and member countries of Asia and Europe to be heldnext year.

As the meeting proceeded, privatization heads of each member state provided a report on privatization activities and made recommendations on ways to improve cooperation to hasten privatization in the region.

Mir Ali Ashraf Abdollah Pouri-Hosseini, Director of Iran Privatization Organization mentioned the procedures of privatization of Islamic Republic of Iran and stated “Prior to ratification of Principle 44 of the Constitution in 2008, share of real private sector was inconsiderable. But with ratification of principle 44, at the moment private sector has the right to participate in all economic segments. Additionally, so far 500 state-owned companies worth more than 100 billion dollar has been divested either partially or totally.”

He added “Currently in Iran according to laws and regulations, private sector can participate in divestituresin all economic segments with limited expectations in the telecommunications and oil and gas and main power transfers.”

Director of IPO, while mentioning facilitation of foreign investment in Iran, added “We hereby invite all investors in the member states to participate in investment and privatization of Iran.”

He mentioned this meeting was a valuable opportunity to exchange experiences and efforts made in member states and with emphasis on prior decisions stated “We hope after 7 years the agreements made in this meeting have positive impact on growth and development of member states.”

This meeting was concluded with a statement by Friday afternoon.

Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) was founded in 1985 by Islamic Republic of Iran, Turkey and Pakistan and currently it is comprised of Islamic Republic of Iran, Turkey, Pakistan, Republic of Azerbaijan, Afghanistan, Turkmenistan, Kirghizstan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan.

ECO Secretariat and Cultural Center is located in Iran.