ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari has reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to regional connectivity and economic cooperation, highlighting the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and Gwadar Port as pivotal for promoting regional trade and prosperity.
Speaking at the International Conference on “Regional Connectivity & Pakistan: Emerging Opportunities”, organized by the Pakistan-China Institute at Aiwan-e-Sadr, Zardari emphasized that Pakistan’s strategic location makes it a natural trade corridor, linking China, Central Asia, and the Middle East.
Key Highlights from Zardari’s Address:
- Gwadar Port as a Regional Trade Hub
- He envisioned Gwadar as a shared economic center for China and other friendly nations, facilitating trade and connectivity.
- He stated that CPEC and Gwadar would bring long-term economic benefits for future generations.
- Water Supply from Tajikistan to Balochistan
- Pakistan is exploring water importation from Tajikistan to address Balochistan’s water crisis.
- A feasibility study has been completed with UAE’s support.
- Revitalizing Historic Trade Routes
- He stressed the need to restore ancient trade routes, enhancing economic and cultural ties across the region.
Other Speakers at the Conference:
- Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti
- Acknowledged Zardari’s role in initiating CPEC and making it a reality.
- Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed (Chairman, Pakistan-China Institute)
- Emphasized Pakistan’s role as a regional connectivity hub, linking South Asia, China, Central Asia, and the Gulf.
- Ahmed Jarwan Al Mohammed (President, Global Council of Tolerance and Peace, UAE)
- Appreciated Pakistan’s regional connectivity efforts.
- Urged for enhanced cooperation in tolerance, education, and business.
- Mustafa Hyder Sayed (Executive Director, Pakistan-China Institute)
- Highlighted Pakistan’s resilience amid economic challenges.
- Stated that despite setbacks, economic indicators suggest a steady recovery.
- Ms. Yan Rui (Secretary General, Europe-Asia Centre, Xinjiang, China)
- Stressed the importance of cultural and ecological cooperation in reshaping regional connectivity.
- Ambassador Yerzhan Kistafin (Kazakhstan)
- Described Central Asia as a land of opportunities.
- Called for greater regional connectivity.
- Ambassador Robin Raphel (Former US Assistant Secretary of State)
- Stated that the US is interested in securing supply chains across Asia and Europe.
The conference reinforced Pakistan’s vision of becoming a key economic corridor, with CPEC and Gwadar Port at the center of its regional trade strategy.
