ISLAMABAD, Jul 30 (APP):Pakistan hosted the two-day CAREC Digital Corridor Consultation on July 29 and 30, bringing together senior officials, telecommunications operators, regulators, development partners and technical experts from nine CAREC member countries to discuss regional digital connectivity and digital infrastructure. The consultation was organised by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) in collaboration with the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication (MoITT) and the Economic Affairs Division (EAD). Federal Minister …
Pakistan hosts CAREC consultation to strengthen regional digital connectivity
ISLAMABAD, Jul 30 (APP):Pakistan hosted the two-day CAREC Digital Corridor Consultation on July 29 and 30, bringing together senior officials, telecommunications operators, regulators, development partners and technical experts from nine CAREC member countries to discuss regional digital connectivity and digital infrastructure.
The consultation was organised by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) in collaboration with the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication (MoITT) and the Economic Affairs Division (EAD).
Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja attended the meeting and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to promoting regional digital connectivity and digital transformation.
She stressed the need to strengthen digital infrastructure and regional cooperation to create new opportunities for economic growth, innovation and private sector investment across the CAREC region.
The consultation opened with remarks by Asad Aleem, Regional Head of the Central and West Asia Department at the Asian Development Bank, who described the CAREC Digital Corridor as a strategic initiative to improve regional integration through stronger digital infrastructure, policy coordination and cross-border connectivity.
During the meeting, Deloitte presented the preliminary findings of the CAREC Digital Corridor Feasibility Study, focusing on four key areas: connectivity infrastructure, digital computing and data centres, internet exchange points, and the regulatory environment.
Delegates reviewed the findings and discussed cross-border connectivity, data centres, cybersecurity, data governance, regulatory harmonisation and measures to encourage private sector investment.
They also examined a proposed investment roadmap, including priority regional digital infrastructure projects, phased implementation plans and financing options through public-private partnerships.
The participating countries agreed to submit written comments on the draft feasibility study over the next two weeks. The feedback will be incorporated into the final report, which will be presented at the 25th CAREC Ministerial Conference in September 2026.
In her closing remarks, ADB Country Director Emma Fan thanked the participating delegations for their contributions and emphasised the need for continued cooperation among CAREC member countries to turn the Digital Corridor initiative into concrete regional investment projects.
