Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Commerce, Mr. Jam Kamal Khan on Wednesday delivered a comprehensive and forward-looking statement at the fourth Meeting of the D-8 Trade Ministers Council held in Cairo, urging member states to strengthen regional economic cooperation, operationalise the Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA), and embrace emerging opportunities in digital trade and sustainable development.
At the session, Federal Minister for Commerce of Pakistan, Jam Kamal Khan also signed the D-8 Protocol on Dispute Settlement Mechanism, marking an important step toward the institutional strengthening of the organisation.
The signing of the protocol—together with the operationalisation of the PTA among D-8 member states—is expected to further enhance trade, facilitate smoother economic engagement, and support the long-term vision of a more integrated D-8 economic bloc.
Addressing ministers, delegations, and senior officials from across the D-8 community, the Minister thanked the Government of Egypt and Minister of Investment & Foreign Trade, Mr. Hassan El Khatib, for hosting the gathering with generous hospitality.
He also welcomed Azerbaijan as the newest and 9th member of the D-8, expressing optimism that its inclusion would enhance the organisation’s collective economic strength.
Highlighting the rapidly evolving global economic environment, Mr. Jam Kamal Khan stressed the urgency for regional platforms like the D-8 to respond collectively to rising protectionism, supply chain disruptions, climate-related shocks, and commodity market volatility.
Strengthened cooperation, he noted, is essential to maintain resilience, sustain trade flows, and foster market confidence.
The Minister underscored the central role of the D-8 Preferential Trade Agreement as a catalyst for expanding intra-D8 trade, calling its effective implementation “essential for realising its full benefits.”
He emphasised Pakistan’s commitment to harmonising procedures, resolving operational challenges, and streamlining documentation to make the PTA fully functional and impactful for all members.
He further highlighted the need for stronger institutional linkages in customs, standardisation, mutual recognition, and logistics connectivity, stressing that efficient transport corridors, digital integration, and predictable transit systems were critical to unlocking regional trade potential. Pakistan, he said, stands ready to contribute constructively to these efforts.
Jam Kamal Khan placed strong emphasis on private-sector engagement, encouraging deeper B2B cooperation, joint ventures, technology sharing, and sectoral partnerships where D-8 economies complement each other.
He underscored the importance of creating an enabling environment supported by policy stability, information access, and financial facilitation.
On sustainable development, the Minister noted that economic progress must be aligned with environmental responsibility and social inclusion.
He identified food security, textiles, agriculture, energy, and technological innovation as priority areas where joint collaboration could build resilience and drive long-term prosperity. He added that the D-8, through capacity-building and best-practice sharing, has the potential to become a model for South-South cooperation.
Recognising the rapid expansion of digital trade and technology-driven services, the Minister urged member states to invest in digital infrastructure, digital literacy, and cross-border e-commerce platforms. Pakistan, he said, is eager to work with D-8 partners on fintech, digital payments, and innovation-led initiatives,said a release issued here.
Concluding his remarks, Mr. Jam Kamal Khan expressed confidence that the Council’s deliberations would be constructive and future-oriented. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s full commitment to advancing the D-8’s agenda for shared prosperity and regional integration.
“Together,” he said, “with the right policies and a strong spirit of partnership, we can transform the D-8 region into a dynamic centre of trade, development, and opportunity for all our peoples.”