ISLAMABAD: Speaking at the Conference organized by the Institute for Regional Studies ( IRS) and the Embassy of Kazakhstan on Pakistan- Kazakhstan economic relations, Federal Minister for Planning & Development emphasized the region’s connectivity potential, which would be a key element for a successful regional trade and economic cooperation. He underlined the keen desire of Pakistan and Kazakhstan to further strengthen their cordial ties and build on bilateral cooperation that could catalyze regional trade and connectivity. Minister Ahsan Iqbal underlined the need for greater deliberations on the subject and promised that the recommendations of the moot would be accorded consideration for expeditious implementation.
Ambassador Jauhar Saleem, President IRS, in his opening address, stressed the important of building multiple regional linkages for common good of almost half of the global population living in the adjoining regions in this part of the world. He also highlighted the growing economic cooperation between Kazakhstan and Pakistan, bilaterally as well
as through regional organizations such as ECO, SCO and CICA. In this regard he delineated potential for expanding bilateral cooperation across multiple sectors, including trade, industry, tourism, infrastructure, energy, and education.
Ambassador of Kazakhstan highlighted the key aspects of the Kazakh President’s recent Address, where, while emphasizing the political modernization and economic transformation measures being implemented to ensure sustainable development, he underscored the alignment of Kazakhstan’s national agenda with its foreign policy, inter alia in the framework of bilateral cooperation with Pakistan.
Ambassador Ahmed Warraich, Additional Foreign Secretary for Afghanistan and Central Asia emphasized the importance of further developing institutional frameworks to build on Kazakhstan-Pakistan relations. He noted that regular meetings, both within bilateral cooperation framework and at major international platforms, demonstrate the commitment of both nations to enhancing bilateral ties.
Renowned economist, Dr Nadeem Ul Haque elaborated upon Kazakhstan’s successful steps in diversifying its economy and the importance of applying these practices for the development of Pakistan’s economy. He also emphasized the importance of enhancing trade, noting that states should strive for interdependence and work to bridge the gap between policy formulation and implementation.
Professor Shabbir Ahmad Khan emphasized Kazakhstan’s role as a leading partner in Central Asia and outlined the strategic importance of Kazakhstan’s reforms for the entire region. In his detailed presentation, he discussed the opportunities for developing transport corridors between Kazakhstan, Pakistan, and the regions of Central and South Asia.
The conference was attended by a diverse audience comprising international organizations, ambassadors, diplomats, heads of think tanks, academics, entrepreneurs, opinion makers, media and students in large numbers.
