On May 20, 2025, Prof. Seyed Komail Tayebi, President of the ECOSF met with Dr. Nadeem Javaid, Vice Chancellor of the Pakistan Institute of Development Economics (PIDE), to discuss strategies for strengthening economic cooperation within the ECO region. The high-level meeting explored collaborative efforts to align research and policy expertise, with a particular focus on enhancing trade ties among ECO member states. Both leaders emphasized the significant potential for intra-regional trade and committed to addressing non-tariff barriers through joint studies on economic and trade policies.

Plans were outlined to co-host high-level forums aimed at connecting business and trade leaders across ECO countries to foster dialogue and catalyze initiatives. The discussion also highlighted opportunities for joint research projects and the exchange of researchers, aiming to deepen knowledge-sharing and build institutional capacity.