The 13th ECO Summit in Islamabad on 1st March, 2017 was held with a formidable slogan of “vision 2025” to proliferate the initiative of “Connectivity for Regional Prosperity”. Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) was established in 1985 by Iran, Pakistan and Turkey to promote economic, technical and cultural cooperation among the member countries. After a stretched period of thirty two years, the regional organization has aspired for major transformation from bilateral and multilateral collaboration to regional connectivity. The whole summit revolves around the idea of exploitation of resources for optimal growth besides mutual aid in the field of transport, communication, trade and investment.
Bilateralism and multilateralism in international system devoid of connectivity is no more viable. The benefits attached to regional connectivity are numerous_ they are short term as well as long term. In short run, cross border infrastructure reduces the cost of production, and offers multiple opportunities of doing business raising household income and in the long run it addresses the issues of poverty and unemployment and raises the standards of living of a nation as a whole. The multibillion Pak-china CPEC is in its way of progress to substantiate across the border infrastructure development and further a conduit of development and prosperity for the whole region. Not only Pakistan but all regional countries especially landlocked CARs and Afghanistan are also going to get advantage from it.
The representation of five heads of state, three heads of government and ambassador of Afghanistan speaks volume of importance of this Summit. It was assumed that Afghanistan will boycott the Summit due to ongoing border tension in the wake of fresh spate of terrorist attacks in Pakistan but the presence of Afghanistan in the meeting is a positive gesture on the part of Afghanistan and a diplomatic success of Pakistan. The summit reflected upon the importance of stable and peaceful Afghanistan for the entire region and all the countries reiterated to extend all kind of support for reconstructing and developing the conflict torn area of Afghanistan. Though Pakistan has always been a helping hand for Afghanistan yet the presence of India in Afghanistan has always maligned the buoyant situation creating differences between both states. The current issue of closed border is also not indefinite and will be resolved after taking necessary measures by both sides.
However, it is a recognized fact that the countries included in ECO- Pakistan, Iran, Turkey, Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan and Afghanistan -are rich in natural resources and can be mutually beneficial to each other. Therefore, the vision behind this regional connectivity is the fact that Pakistan has the power to integrate the economies of neighboring countries making the entire region an engine of growth. The geo-strategic significance of Pakistan and emerging trade, investment and infrastructure development has made it in the position not only to lead the economies of ECO region but to reap the fruit and distribute among member states.
Speaking truthfully, the holding of ECO Summit at a time when Pakistan is facing the issues on both sides of borders –East and West and amidst grave terrorists’ threats, the presence of dignitaries from 10 countries at a single forum with shared interest is a diplomatic as well economic triumph. Whereas, other regional organizations like SAARC are dead; the activation of such regional organizations can be a harbinger of change and can forge regional prosperity aligning other states like china and countries from Middle East on single point agenda i.e. economic growth. When the uniting bond among these countries will be common economic interest with equal opportunities, the inclusion of states beyond Asia in the organization will make it much stronger and vibrant.
This is not all the member countries have to do to seize the opportunity. There is a lot to be done. First of all, they have to be more committed to the cause of region and take practical steps to do away with the hindrances blocking mutual cooperation. Secondly, they need to handle existing problems as well as see beyond the current string of challenges. Trump visa policy and discriminatory attitude towards Muslim states should be a matter of concern for all the members. Regional connectivity coupled with resolution of low intensity conflict like Pak-Afghan border issue and high intensity conflicts like Kashmir Issue can bring peace in the region. Only peace is the key to healthy economic growth.
In the whole scenario, the trust laid by the ECO countries on the leadership of Pakistan is not without challenges. Pakistan is fighting its war against terrorism employing all means through NAP and operation Radd-ul-Fassad in continuation of operation Zarb-e-Azb. For Pakistan, winning this internal war carries much weight to prove the capability of Pakistan as a regional power. Though much has been achieved in the domain of peace yet we need to fight with common enemy more vigorously. Despite all threats and challenges, the successful Summit on 1st March and announcement of PSL final in Lahore establishes the fact that Pakistan is not afraid of terrorists and will continue to fight for its meaningful existence and days are not far when Pakistan will attain the status of regional power. We as a nation need to be united on a single front to fight all the forces of extremism and antagonism whether internal or external. As we have decided to take the road of regional connectivity. So, we have to tread on the path with consistency and fearlessly.
The writer is a free-lance contributor and can be reached at [email protected].