About the Journal

 ^{Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO)} 

^{ISSN 3005-2696}

^{Dr. Asad M. Khan} 

 ^{Ambassador ECO
Secretary General}

^{I am delighted to present the 9th edition of the ECO   Journal, a significant milestone in our collective journey. This publication serves as a vital forum for exchanging ideas, viewpoints, and best practices to promote sustainable development and economic cooperation across the diverse ECO Region. Since we steer the complexities of the global economy and face shared challenges such as technological advancement, climate change, and socioeconomic inequality, collaboration and solidarity among ECO member countries are more crucial than ever. Economic growth remains central to our collective goals. With a combined GDP exceeding $2 trillion, ECO countries possess significant economic promise. However, to fully realize this potential, we need to invest in critical infrastructure, foster entrepreneurship and innovation, and enhance intraregional trade. This edition explores our efforts, including ecological concerns and transportation's impact on the economy, to stimulate regional economic growth. Social inclusion and human capital development are paramount for the ECO Region. Despite an average Human Development Index (HDI) of 0.711, indicating modest human development levels,there are disparities among member nations. This publication highlights programs aimed at improving social protection, healthcare, and education systems.}

 

^{Prof. Dr. Arzu Huseynova}

^{Editor-in-Chief of the ECO Economic Journal
First Deputy Chairman of the board
The ESRI, the Republic of Azerbaijan}

^{The release of the latest issue of the ECO Economic Journal is a noteworthy event. Researchers with progressive perspectives have contributed to the journal and have shared their views on specific topics that are not only significant regionally but globally. Topics such as conflicts, transportation, climate change, and the labor market and their impacts on the economy are researched and analyzed through interdisciplinary studies, utilizing various methodologies to inform policy decisions, optimize resource allocation, and foster sustainable economic development. In this context, there is a high demand for the publication of the ECO Economic Journal, which points up important economic issues. The role of the ECO Journal should be perceived as an academic platform, in which researchers analyze the challenges and potentials of the region and share their findings and solutions on specific issues. The main challenge for the Editorial Board is encouraging the academic community to share their research and to generate interest among readers. Therefore, we must make sure the journal maintains a high academic quality and satisfies worldwide standards. On the other hand, the digitalization of the Journal and the development of the Journal’s website are important for attracting a larger audience. An analytical summary of socioeconomic development and trends, the economic potential and achievements of the ECO Member States, global economic issues, and the impacts on the region are discussed in each edition of the journal. In future journal issues, we will try to develop new strategies to highlight more regionally important topics. This year is particularly significant for us as we celebrate.}