ECO Chief Asad Majeed Khan: Regionalism is "Essential" Amid Global Weaponization of Trade

ECO Secretary General Asad Majeed Khan warns against the weaponization of finance and trade at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum. Read how the bloc stays resilient.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 17, 2026, 2:45 PM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Anadolu Agency and the Antalya Diplomacy Forum 2026.

Regionalism as a Shield Against Global Instability

In a wide-ranging interview with Anadolu, ECO Secretary General Asad Majeed Khan argued that geographic contiguity is becoming the defining factor for economic survival. As global trade frameworks face unprecedented stress, Khan noted that regional groupings like the ECO—which unites Iran, Pakistan, Türkiye, and several Central Asian nations—are "more relevant than ever." He posited that when international systems fail, the ability of neighboring states to build robust trade and transport linkages becomes the primary driver of stability.

The Counterproductive "Weaponization" of Finance

A central theme of Khan’s address was the warning against the "weaponization of trade and financial systems." He argued that unilateral policies and sanctions are undermining the predictability of international commerce and disrupting the free flow of goods. These "counterproductive" measures, according to Khan, do not just target specific governments but stifle regional economic growth and complicate the lives of millions of civilians. By advocating for a return to open, rules-based regional trade, the ECO chief aims to protect member states from the fallout of global power struggles.

Operational Resilience Amidst the Iran Conflict

Khan provided a rare update on the ECO’s internal operations following the escalation of hostilities involving the U.S., Israel, and Iran. While the organization’s headquarters in Tehran saw the safe evacuation of international staff earlier this year, Khan lauded the Iranian personnel who remained to ensure "uninterrupted operations." Despite the shadow of the 2025-2026 conflict, the ECO has managed to sustain its diplomatic calendar, including key ministerial meetings scheduled for Astana and Shusha. This continuity is viewed as a testament to the bloc's foundational strength.