Pakistan Pushes for Enhanced Transit Systems, Cross-Border Trade
News Desk
Islamabad: Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, Ahsan Iqbal, on Thursday reaffirmed Pakistan’s dedication to advancing regional development through strategic national initiatives such as URAAN Pakistan and the 5Es Plan.
He was speaking at the inauguration of the Annual Research Conference held in Islamabad, which centers on enhancing trade facilitation, regional connectivity, and economic cooperation between South and Central Asia.
The two-day conference features thematic sessions, panel discussions, and plenary addresses focused on key topics including regional trade flows, development of green infrastructure, efficient transit systems, and strengthening cross-border cooperation. The event aims to foster long-lasting research partnerships and build robust knowledge networks among CAREC countries and beyond.
The conference is jointly organized by the CAREC Institute (CI) and the University of Sargodha. Dr Qaisar Abbas, Vice Chancellor of the University of Sargodha, expressed sincere gratitude to the distinguished guests for their participation and support.
He praised the collaborative efforts of the CAREC Institute and the University of Sargodha in hosting this impactful event, emphasizing the need for tangible outcomes.
“This conference should result in streamlined trade facilitation measures, actionable plans for green and sustainable infrastructure, improved transit connectivity, and stronger institutional frameworks to deepen regional integration between South and Central Asia,” he said.
The opening session featured insightful contributions from distinguished guests including Mr. Charymuhammet Shallyyev, Director of the CAREC Institute; Mr. Yang Guangyuan, Public Affairs Officer at the Chinese Embassy, Syed Shakeel Shah from the Prime Minister’s Office, Emma Fan, Regional Manager and Country Director of the Asian Development Bank (ADB); and Syed Aftab Haider, CEO of Pakistan Single Window.
Dr Abbas further highlighted the importance of establishing a consortium of universities across CAREC countries. “Such a platform will promote collaborative research, academic exchange, and policy innovation, thereby strengthening regional academic ties and contributing to evidence-based solutions for shared economic and development challenges,” he added.
Participants include representatives from prominent national and international institutions such as the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), Pakistan Single Window (PSW), Allama Iqbal Open University, Pakistan Institute of Development Economics (PIDE), International Road Transport Union (IRU), Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI), Development Alternatives Inc. (DAI), Manzil Pakistan, Pakistan International Freight Forwarders Association (PIFFA), and the ECO Science Foundation (ECOSF).
