To spur the economy: Planning minister stresses on bolstering regional ties

Says it is the only way country can achieve aims of Vision 2025

ISLAMABAD: Highlighting the importance of regional ties, Minister for Planning, Development and Reform Ahsan Iqbal has stated that the only way to save Pakistan’s dwindling exports is to create stronger economic ties.

“Pakistan, Afghanistan and Central Asian states can become a new economic zone and owing to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) the country’s economy can reap huge benefits,” he said while addressing the ceremony of Pakistan Afghanistan Central Asian Regions Trade Summit (PACTS) organised by Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) here.

The minister said that no country can progress in uncertain conditions and a stable economy was paramount for political stability. He said that public private partnership could also play a vital role in economic progress.

“We need to focus on our economic and export policies on boosting regional relations which can help Pakistan achieve its Vision 2025,” Ahsan said.

He urged traders, chambers and the private sector to support the government in achieving these economic goals. According to Iqbal, Pakistan should take a leaf out of South Korea’s books that doubled its exports in a short span.

He assured traders for government assistance and cooperation and appreciated the role of RCCI in boosting trade activities.

Earlier, RCCI President in his address said that the chamber will be organising Pakistan Afghanistan Central Asian Regions Trade Summit (PACTS) on August 10, 2016.

The major aim of the summit is to explore new business opportunities and to discuss trade aspects.

He said that the conference would help in identifying existing trade issues, bottle necks and barriers through discussion over topics of mutual interest and this will facilitate bilateral trade among the region.

Parvez said that Pakistan, Afghanistan and Central Asian states could work together to improve bilateral trade relations in the areas of energy cooperation, infrastructure and development of the region.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 6^th, 2016.

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