While discussing the significance of Silk Route with PCJCCI members, he said Pakistan could turn into the most important westward artery by modernising and reviving the route.
“The Silk Road Fund will be ‘open’ and welcome investors from Asia and beyond to actively take part in the project,” he said.
He said the government should take immediate measures to upgrade the route to exploit the geographical potential of the location and realise that a partnership would entail a robust infrastructure, regular energy supply and improved governance.
“It has been a famous trade route and has a long history. Now that the means of trade have been changed in the modern era, we need to equally modernise the route as well.”
He said the new Silk Route should be designed to facilitate mutual trade, economic growth and prosperity among the connecting regions. It will improve land and waterborne trade connectivity in Central Asia and South Asia through up-gradation of roads, railways, ports and airports.
Giving China’s example which is investing billions of dollars for developing its western parts particularly Xinjiang connected with Pakistan’s border, he said Xinxiang’s special location at the heartland of Eurasia has assumed special importance for regional development through road infrastructure network.
“Similarly, the revival of Silk Route would be a big advantage to all those countries situated alongside the economic belt of the route, adding strategic and economic value to Pakistan,” he said.
He urged the government to promote regional coordination to introduce cohesive laws and regulations regarding movement of manpower and merchandise, taxation policies and tariff and non-tariff barriers.
Published in The Express Tribune, December 25th, 2014.
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