Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Nigeria, Pakistan and Turkey – the D-8 countries – are looking at greater cooperation amongst each other for growth. At the recent 7th Meeting of the D-8 Working Group on Industrial Cooperation, Bangladesh proposed a common textile market, common garment brands, transfer of appropriate technology and a common fund for industrial development for the Developing 8 (D-8) countries. Participants at the workshops discussed a common standard of economic cooperation, particularly in the areas of tariff, duty-free export and import and technical cooperation.
The participants also exchanged views on possible cooperation and opportunities to explore new markets. In the meanwhile, Turkey proposed framing of a guideline on academic/research capabilities, while Indonesia proposed harmonization of textile testing standards and Egypt proposed formation of a common body among the D-8 countries to facilitate investments and finalizing a focal point for each country as soon as possible.
