Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday highlighting the significance of CPEC and transnational rail and road projects said that the connectivity projects would synergize the economic strengths of regional countries and usher in a new era of enhanced trade, economic and energy cooperation in the region and beyond.
The prime minister, addressing the concluding session of the two-day Regional Transport Ministers Conference held here, said that the cooperation in the trade and economic spheres was a win-win proposition, offering rich dividends to all.
“This would strengthen our common stake in peace, and reinforce efforts for development in the region. Let us together sow the seeds of cooperation so that we may harvest the fruits of development and prosperity for our people, our region and beyond,” he said.
Hosted by the Ministry of Communications, with a theme “Regional Connectivity: Opportunities for the Region,” the conference was attended by transport ministers and delegates from 20 countries as well as international organisations like Asian Development Bank, Economic Cooperation Organization, International Road Transport Union, and the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific.
“Today, shifting geopolitical dynamics and the growing dominance of economic priorities have breathed new life into this ancient corridor, transforming it from a relic of the past into a strategic necessity for our future.”
He highlighted that Pakistan’s geography linked the warm waters of the Arabian Sea and the Persian Gulf as the country was located at the confluence of China, the Eurasian land-bridge and the Middle East, calling it a unique tri-junction of economic corridors connecting China, Central Asia and the broader Middle East.
He said that Pakistan’s long coastline also made its ports of Gwadar and Karachi key transit points on the maritime Silk Road.
Calling connectivity not just limited to roads, railways and air links but also about data, innovation, and technological integration, Shehbaz Sharif said that Pakistan was investing in digital infrastructure to catch up with the fourth industrial revolution.
Separately, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday highlighting Pakistan’s investor-friendly policies, invited the Qatari investors to explore new avenues of collaboration under the government’s Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) framework.
The prime minister, in a meeting with Minister of Commerce and Industry of Qatar Sheikh Faisal bin Thani bin Faisal Al-Thani, underscored the importance of enhancing bilateral trade and investment cooperation, emphasizing opportunities in energy, agriculture, food security, information technology, tourism and infrastructure development.
The minister is visiting Pakistan to co-chair the 6th Session of Pakistan-Qatar Joint Ministerial Commission (JMC).
The prime minister expressed satisfaction over the positive trajectory of Pakistan-Qatar relations, anchored in shared faith, values, and mutual respect. He also appreciated Qatar’s role as an important partner and an influential regional mediator.
Sheikh Faisal bin Thani bin Faisal Al Thani conveyed warm greetings from the Qatari leadership and reaffirmed Qatar’s commitment to further deepen economic engagement with Pakistan.
He noted that the 6th Session of the JMC provided an important platform to review existing cooperation and identify new initiatives to advance mutually beneficial partnerships.
Prime Minister Shehbaz conveyed Pakistan’s deep appreciation for Qatar’s consistent support on regional and global issues and reiterated Pakistan’s desire to strengthen collaboration at regional and multilateral fora.
Both sides agreed to continue close coordination to translate shared understandings into tangible outcomes, including greater facilitation for business-to-business linkages and investment projects.