Almaty, Nov 02 (APP):Federal Minister for Investment, Qaiser Ahmad Sheikh, has highlighted Pakistan’s strategic geographical location, seaport infrastructure, and investment potential as key opportunities for strengthening economic cooperation and regional connectivity with Central Asian countries. Addressing the opening session of the Second TIANSHAN Forum for Central Asia Economic and Quality Investment in Almaty, Kazakhstan, the Federal Minister said that Pakistan could serve as an important trade and transit corridor for …
Pakistan offers Central Asia gateway to global markets through regional connectivity: BOI Minister
Almaty, Nov 02 (APP):Federal Minister for Investment, Qaiser Ahmad Sheikh, has highlighted Pakistan’s strategic geographical location, seaport infrastructure, and investment potential as key opportunities for strengthening economic cooperation and regional connectivity with Central Asian countries.
Addressing the opening session of the Second TIANSHAN Forum for Central Asia Economic and Quality Investment in Almaty, Kazakhstan, the Federal Minister said that Pakistan could serve as an important trade and transit corridor for landlocked Central Asian countries, providing them with access to international maritime trade routes and global markets, said a release issued here on Monday.
The Minister highlighted Pakistan’s three major seaports, Karachi Port, Port Qasim and Gwadar Port, as strategic gateways that could facilitate regional trade, strengthen transportation links and provide alternative routes for the movement of goods.
He particularly underscored Karachi’s importance as Pakistan’s major industrial and commercial hub, noting that its established industrial base, business infrastructure, financial institutions and port facilities offered significant opportunities for trade, industrial partnerships and foreign investment. He also highlighted Gwadar’s potential to further strengthen regional connectivity and economic cooperation.
Qaiser Ahmad Sheikh stated that Pakistan, with nearly 60 percent of its population comprising young people, enjoyed a significant demographic advantage in the form of a dynamic workforce and considerable potential for economic growth.
He said that the government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, was focusing on strengthening regional connectivity, addressing energy requirements and creating an enabling environment to attract domestic and international investment.
The Federal Minister invited regional and international investors to explore opportunities in key sectors, including energy, infrastructure, logistics, transportation, manufacturing and trade. He emphasized that improved connectivity and reliable energy supplies were essential for unlocking the region’s economic potential.
Highlighting the importance of regional cooperation, the Minister acknowledged the contribution of the Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) Program in promoting transport connectivity, facilitating trade and supporting economic integration among participating countries.
He observed that CAREC provided a valuable platform for strengthening economic partnerships between Pakistan and Central Asian states.
The Minister emphasized that Pakistan’s strategic geographical location, youthful population, industrial capacity and seaport infrastructure positioned the country to play an important role in connecting Central Asian economies with international markets.
Concluding his remarks, Qaiser Ahmad Sheikh stated that regional connectivity was not merely about linking roads, ports and markets, but also about connecting economies, creating investment opportunities, generating employment and building shared prosperity across the region.
