REPORT OF THE

28^th SESSION OF D-8 COMMISSION

JULY 4-5, 2010 ABUJA, NIGERIA

The 28th Session of the D-8 Commission was held in Abuja, Nigeria on July 4-5, 2010. The meeting was attended by delegations from Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Nigeria, Pakistan and Turkey. The List of participants is attached as Annex I.

1.       Welcoming Remarks by the D-8 Commissioner of Nigeria

H.E. Ambassador Martin Ihoeghian Uhomoibhi, D-8 Commissioner of Nigeria made his welcoming statement to the participants which is at Annex II.

2.       Handing over Chairmanship from Malaysia to Nigeria

H.E Ambassador Dato’ Zainol Abidin Omar, D-8 Commissioner of Malaysia delivered his statement and handed over the Chairmanship of Malaysia to Nigeria. (Annex III)

3.       Adoption of the Draft Agenda

Draft Agenda adopted with new agenda item proposed by Iran: Consideration of Establishment of Joint Investment Fund for D-8

4.       Consideration and Endorsement of the D-8 Secretary General (a.i.)

The delegation of Indonesia proposed Dr. Widi Pratikto as the new Secretary General for D-8 and informed the session of his official and academic positions held in government. The Commissioners unanimously welcomed and congratulated Dr. Pratikto for his new position and gave their full support for his future endeavors. The Commission recommended to the 13^th Session of D-8 Council of Ministers to endorse the nomination of Dr. Pratikto as D-8 Secretary General a.i.

The Commission agreed with a proposal by the D-8 Commissioner of Pakistan on the need to amend D-8 Statutory Document to address contingencies relating to the terms of service of the Secretary General and staff of the Secretariat.

The Commission also agreed to refer to the position of Secretary General as “ad interim” so Dr. Pratikto would be able to address the Principle organs during the meetings of current Summit.

5.       Statement of D-8 Secretary General (a.i.)

Secretary General of D-8 Organization (a.i.), H.E. Widi Pratikto delivered his statement. (Annex IV).

6.       Consideration and Adoption of Reports of the Meetings held and Calendar of Events 2010-2011

Commission adopted the below-mentioned Reports of the meetings held and Tehran Declaration on D-8 Industrial Cooperation:

Calendar of Events 2010-2011

7.       Presentation of the Report of the Activities of D-8 Chamber of Commerce

Secretary General of D-8 Federation of Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Reza Hanjani presented his Report to Commission. (Annex V)

8.       Consideration of the Matrix of Activities for Member Countries

Commissioners reviewed the Matrix and presented their views on different items. They agreed with the view of Secretariat that Matrix is a mechanism for ensuring follow up on the decisions and activities of D-8.

9.       Consideration of Ratification Status of D-8 PTA, Visa Agreement and Customs Cooperation Agreement

The Chairman reviewed the status of each country vis-à-vis the ratified agreements and informed the session that Nigeria will ratify all three Agreements by the end of 7^th Summit.

The Commission welcomed the constructive approach and efforts of the Nigerian Government. Commissioner of Nigeria encouraged Member Countries to expedite the ratification of remaining Agreements.

After extensive deliberations on the modality of exchanging Offer Lists, Commissioners agreed that the 11^th Session of HLTO Meeting be held back to back to the upcoming COMCEC Meeting in Istanbul to be hosted by D-8 Secretariat. Two months prior to the meeting, ad referendum, the Offer Lists of those who have submitted will be exchanged.

Commission expressed the hope that Rules of Origin of D-8 Preferential Trade Agreement will soon be agreed by all Member Countries without further delay which will facilitate full implementation of PTA.

10.   Consideration of the establishment of Joint Investment Fund for D-8

Iran presented the Terms of Reference for D-8 Joint Investment Fund. The Commissioners expressed their support for the Fund and indicated that more time is needed for consideration by their relevant officials. Iran expressed its readiness to hold an expert meeting on this issue provided that within three months the Member Countries’ views would be provided to the Secretariat.

11.     Report on the Budget of the D-8 Secretariat for 2010

Secretary General (a.i.) presented 6-month Budget Realization for 2010. Member Countries considered and took note of the expenditures and detailed explanations. (Annex VI). Secretariat expressed its appreciation to all Member Countries who have paid their annual contributions on time.

12.     Consideration and Adoption of the draft Budget of D-8 Secretariat for 2011

Budget 2011 of D-8 Secretariat was presented by Secretary General (a.i.). After a thorough consideration of the Budget, the Commission adopted the draft proposal of the Secretariat, with minor amendments, for the Budget 2011 which amounts to 518.760 Euro. (Annex VII). Contributions of Member Countries for the Budget 2011, calculated according to agreed D-8 scale of assessment is also attached.

13.      Consideration of Abuja Declaration

Commissioners thoroughly examined and endorsed draft Abuja Declaration and decided to recommend it for the consideration and endorsement of the Council of Ministers. (Annex VIII)

14.     Consideration and Adoption of the Draft Agendas of the 13^th Session of D-8 Council of Ministers and 7^th Summit

The draft Agendas of the 13^th Session of Council of Ministers and the 7^th Summit were considered and endorsed.  (Annex IX)

15.     Date and Venue of the 29^th Session of the D-8 Commission

The 29^th Session of the D-8 Commission will be held in Abuja, Nigeria in January 2011.

16.     Consideration and Adoption of the Report of the 28^th Session of the D-8 Commission

The Report of the 28^th Session of D-8 Commission was adopted.

17.     Any Other Business

No issue raised under this agenda item.

18.     Closing