ISLAMABAD: Highlighting the significance of CPEC and transnational rail and road projects, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif Friday said the connectivity projects would synergize the economic strengths of regional countries and usher in a new era of enhanced trade, economic and energy cooperation in the region and beyond.
Addressing the concluding session of the two-day Regional Transport Ministers Conference held here, he said cooperation in trade and economic spheres was a win-win proposition, offering rich dividends to all.
“This would strengthen our common stake in peace, and reinforce efforts for development in the region. Let us together sow the seeds of cooperation so that we may harvest the fruits of development and prosperity for our people, our region and beyond,” he said.
The prime minister told the gathering that for centuries, the present-day Pakistan had thrived on connectivity, as from the ancient Silk Road to today’s Belt and Road Initiative, the region had always been a conduit of connectivity and opportunity. “Today, shifting geopolitical dynamics and the growing dominance of economic priorities have breathed new life into this ancient corridor, transforming it from a relic of the past into a strategic necessity for our future.”
Meanwhile, addressing a ceremony held in connection with the World Polio Day here, Shehbaz said persistence of polio in Pakistan and its neighboring country was a moment of introspection, urging the government authorities as well as the polio workers to put in their enhanced efforts to purge the country of this crippling disease. “Let’s brace ourselves and accept the challenge and start running and achieve the trophy, which we’re all wanting to have sooner rather than later. If the whole world can become polio-free, except Pakistan and our neighbouring country, I think it’s a moment of introspection,” the prime minister said. Talking to the Minister of Commerce and Industry of Qatar Sheikh Faisal bin Thani bin Faisal Al-Thani here, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif Friday highlighted Pakistan’s investor-friendly policies and invited the Qatari investors to explore new avenues of collaboration under the government’s Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) framework.
The prime minister underscored the importance of enhancing bilateral trade and investment cooperation, emphasizing opportunities in energy, agriculture, food security, information technology, tourism, and infrastructure development.
The minister is visiting Pakistan to co-chair the 6th Session of Pakistan-Qatar Joint Ministerial Commission (JMC).
Sheikh Faisal bin Thani bin Faisal Al Thani conveyed warm greetings from the Qatari leadership and reaffirmed Qatar’s commitment to further deepen economic engagement with Pakistan. He noted that the 6th Session of the JMC provided an important platform to review existing cooperation and identify new initiatives to advance mutually beneficial partnerships. Addressing the foundation-laying ceremony of Shaheen Chowk Underpass here, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif Friday said timely completion of development projects in the federal capital would not only provide greater convenience to citizens and improve traffic flow but also project a positive image of Pakistan to the world.
The ceremony was attended by federal ministers, members of parliament, local notables, and senior officials from the Ministry of Interior and the Capital Development Authority (CDA).