NHT Report
ISLAMABAD, March 21: The Center for Global & Strategic Studies (CGSS) arranged a conference on “Pakistan: A Land of Opportunities for Central Asian Republics”. The aim and focus of the conference was to facilitate the collective exploration of various opportunities and commonalities that can become the foundation for multilateral regional initiatives, which in turn will lead to strong connectivity and diplomatic relations aswell as security and economic stability in the region.
Mr. Ahsan Iqbal- Minister of Planning, Development and Reform presented his inaugural address on the topic “China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC): A Futuristic Success”. He stated that Pakistan and Central Asia share a very common cultural and political history. In the present time the bond with the central Asian countries is becoming stronger. We are living in the age of connectivity and network. This an age where we need to explore the opportunity for connectivity and progress. In our region we have a lot of investment prospects and opportunities. In the 21st century, Asia will contribute 52% of GDP of the global world. This will create opportunities for global economy for growth and investment. Pakistan is uniquely located at the intersection of three regions I.e. South Asia, China and Central Asia. 21st century is the century if geo-economics and Pakistan’s vision 2025, seeks to place the country in the orbit of geo-economics of the Asian region. Pakistan now tends to move towards the geo-economics for connectivity. What matters in the future is the per capita income and the GDP of any country for the growth, development, and prosperity. Pakistan in working hardto become one of the 25 biggest economy of the world.
Dr. Khudoberdi Kholiqnazar- Director, Center for Strategic Studies under the President of Tajikistan, Republic of Tajikistan presented his speech on “Building Regional Synergies to Achieve Peace, Security and Development”. He stated that it is important to take into account the interaction of challenges to the development of countries and the challenges of developing regional economic cooperation. It is important to promote the formation of economic corridors, in the center of which there are transport and energy arteries, favorable terms of trade providing concentrated commercial types of activity, creating opportunities for business, tourism and other socio-economic activities. He further stated that for the Republic of Tajikistan,security is a priority and it is also important to intensify foreign economic cooperation.
Ms. TehminaJanjua- Foreign Secretary, Government of Pakistan presented her speech on “Addressing Geo-Political Challenges to Enhance Regional Integration”. She stated that the Afghan War had negative impacts on the entire region as apart from bringing drugs and weapons, it also fueled extremism and terrorism.Pakistan faced the brunt of instability in Afghanistan; therefore, it wanted a peaceful Afghanistan.The Foreign Secretary said Pakistan was land of opportunity for Central Asia and other adjoining regions. She said new era of regional integration had begun, adding having 25-year old diplomatic relations, Pakistan and the Central Asian Countries shared common culture and history. TehminaJanjua termed China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) a hope for the region. Turning to geo-political situation, TehminaJanjua said emerging multipolar World was a reality.
Mr. Ikramov AdkhamI lkhamovich- Former Vice Prime Minister and Presently Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Republic of Uzbekistan presented his speech on “Reconnecting Central Asia with South Asia- A Road Towards Prosperity”. He stated that Uzbekistan is one of the top 10 economic reformers and integration into world economy is a priority for Uzbekistan. Furthermore, Uzbekistan has started process of joining into the World Trade Organization and simplification of cross border trading is crucial for Uzbekistan’s development. He proposed many industries in which Uzbekistan can collaborate with Pakistan including industries of Oil and Gas industry, chemical, pharmacuticals, food industry, electronic industry and tourism.
Mr. Sarmad Ali- President All Pakistan Newspaper Society (APNS) presented his speech on “Role of Media in Promoting Regional Harmony”. He stated that Media is a significant pillar for connectivity and for that reason, we need a common media corridor. He further stated that today perception is stronger thanreality so we need to counter propaganda and criticism and highlight our own reality and break criticism. We need to highlight the true spirit and image of BRI (Belt and Road Initiative). He stated that the formation of a common media corridor will enable us to better understand each other and come closer through exchange programs, culture and information.
Ms. Irina Chernykh- Chief Research Fellow, Kazakhstan Institute for Strategic Studies under the President of Republic of Kazakhstan presented her speech on “Potential and Prospects of Intra-Industry Trade in the Region”. She stated that Intra-industry trade must be promoted in the region to explore the untapped potentials of the region.
Mr. BaidoletovNuradil Esenbekovich- Deputy Director, National Institute of Strategic Studies of the Kyrgyz Republic, Kyrgyz Republic presented his speech on “Promoting Regional Integration through Socio-Cultural Exchange Opportunities”. He stated thatKyrgyzstan pays special attention to the sphere of education and we believe that such joint projects will allow our young generation to receive quality education both in the Kyrgyz Republic and in Pakistan. He also stated that there is need forrapid advancement in economic, cultural, and social integration in the 21st century to promote the cultural exchanges for mutual understanding through a regional common project, i.e. tourism which will provide Pakistan and CARs the opportunities to interact with each other.
