32nd Session of COMCEC begins its deliberations on Wednesday under the Chairmanship of President Erdogan. (Credit: IINA)

Istanbul (IINA) : The Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation Dr. Yousef Al-Othaimeen has extolled the role of OIC Standing Committee on Economic and Commercial Cooperation (COMCEC) in promoting and advancing the socio-economic development of the member states.

Speaking at the 32nd COMCEC Session, which began its proceedings in Istanbul, Turkey on Wednesday, the secretary general acknowledged the constant support of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, chairman of COMCEC, which facilitated the realization of various programs and projects of the OIC.

Referring to the new OIC Ten Year Strategic Programme adopted during the 13th Islamic Summit held in Turkey on 14 April, the OIC chief enumerated the various socio-economic initiatives aimed at transforming OIC economies, including addressing the contemporary challenges facing the Muslim Ummah.

The 32nd COMCEC session was declared open by President Erdogan and was attended by ministers in charge of trade and economy of OIC member states as well as OIC institutions and invited international organizations. The opening ceremony was also addressed by President of Islamic Development Bank Group (IDB) Dr. Bandar Hajjar, who among other issues, spelled out current initiatives on youth empowerment.

The meeting reviewed the status of implementation of various projects under the COMCEC in the area of trade and investment, agriculture, tourism and financial development, private sector, and poverty alleviation among others.

COMCEC meets annually to review OIC activities in the area of economic and trade development. The 32nd Session of COMCEC elected Qatar, Malaysia, Gabon, Kuwait, Indonesia, Niger, and Pakistan as members of the Bureau of COMCEC for the next three years, in addition to the three permanent members, namely; Turkey, Palestine and Saudi Arabia.