Economic and commercial integration of the ECO and Iran; 2001-2022

Document Type : Original

Authors

1 Department of Foreign Trade, Institute for Trade Studies and Research, Tehran, Iran.

2 Department of Reginal Studies, Eco Insurance Faculty, Allameh Tabataba'i University, Tehran, Iran.

Abstract

More than three decades have passed since the formation of the new structure and membership of seven countries in the region to the ECO Economic Cooperation Organization. The question now is whether the formation of the organization has played a positive role in the region's economic growth and development, or whether geopolitical divergent factors still dominate geo-economic convergence factors. In this context, the present paper evaluates the welfare effects of economic integration in the new structure of the ECO over the past two decades from 2000 to 2021. The present study aims to assess the components and backgrounds of powerful regional integration of the member countries of the Organization of Economic Co-operation (ECO) with the focus of Iran. The emphasis of this study is on the economic aspects of regionalism integration efficiency. Certainly, the components of geographical proximity and cultural commonalities and religious beliefs are among the strengths of convergence between these countries, but more importantly, the political determination and limitation of the rulers on effective regional integration between these countries, which has not emerged significantly in the last few decades. In fact, until geopolitical obstacles dominate the geo-economic factors of Iran and these countries, the possibility of forming efficient regional integration is impossible, and the development and prosperity of security, welfare and development of trade and investment flows in this region depends on political will and determination.

Keywords

Main Subjects

حوزة موضوعی: کشورهای عضو اکو

طبقه‌بندی JEL: F13، F15، F53، F55.

Scope: ECO Countries

JEL Class: F13، F15، F53، F55.

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Journal of Countries Studies
Volume 2, Issue 1
2024
Pages 1-34

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History

  • Receive Date: 12 September 2023
  • Revise Date: 30 September 2023
  • Accept Date: 07 October 2023

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