On Friday, addressing the ECO Summit in Azerbaijan, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reminded regional leaders of what many Pakistanis already know: in a world facing conflict, climate threats, and economic fragmentation, no country can afford to stand alone.
He hit the bull’s eye, and the numbers show why. Pakistan-Turkey trade jumped 30% last year to $1.4 billion, facilitated by a preferential deal signed in 2022. Trade with Uzbekistan is also on track to reach $400 million soon, with hopes of $2 billion in the next few years if the Trans-Afghan rail link takes shape. That corridor could be Pakistan’s gateway to Central Asia, cutting costs for exporters and giving our stagnant logistics sector a much-needed boost.
China remains the biggest piece on the chessboard. Bilateral trade with Beijing crossed $23 billion in 2024, up 11%. Phase II of CPEC has its critics, but the reality is clear: when power plants and highways run smoothly while our region battles blackouts and heatwaves, infrastructure works. If we pivot towards renewables under CPEC’s next phase, industry could finally get cheaper, more reliable energy.
Some think closer ties with China mean closing the door on the West. The facts disagree. Trade with the United States still sits near $7 billion, with Pakistan enjoying a healthy surplus. That means our textiles, surgical goods, and farm exports matter. Staying in Washington’s good books keeps GSP privileges alive while drawing in tech and services investment.
However, one may still be forced to wonder what that would mean for local businesses? To put it simply, bigger markets, steadier energy, and more predictable shipping routes. If the government makes good on plans to modernise customs, ports, and rail, exporters won’t have to fight the same old red tape. It does not need be explained that industry (any industry in any part of the world) needs predictable policy, not U-turns every six months.
No one should fool themselves: real regional cooperation won’t happen by just signing MOUs. Such progress demands keeping promises, building trust with neighbours, and proving to investors that Pakistan is worth the bet. The ECO, the Central Asian ties, the Chinese railroads, the American buyers; they’re all pieces of the same puzzle.
Pakistan’s next big test is whether it can turn geography into an asset, not a burden. The world wants new routes and partners. If we play this right, we can be the bridge, not the blind alley we’ve too often been before. *