By Ikram Ullah Joyia/ ANI
ISLAMABAD—A delegation from the Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) Secretariat called on Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan and briefed him on key regional initiatives aimed at enhancing trade, connectivity, investment and economic integration among CAREC member countries.
According to the Ministry of Commerce, the delegation informed the Minister that the Asian Development Bank (ADB) is expected to approve a Border Connectivity and Logistics Upgrade Facility in the coming weeks. The initiative is intended to support the modernization of Pakistan’s border infrastructure and strengthen regional trade and transport connectivity.
The delegation also highlighted Pakistan’s active role in implementing the Regional Trade and Investment Facilitation Partnership (CARIF) framework, which has entered its operational phase to promote trade facilitation, logistics cooperation and investment across the CAREC region.
The meeting reviewed preparations for the CAREC Ministerial Conference and Business Forum, scheduled to be held in Mongolia on September 29–30, 2026. The CAREC Secretariat formally invited the Commerce Minister to participate in the event, which will bring together ministers, senior government officials, development partners, international investors and private sector representatives from member countries.
Officials said the Business Forum will focus on logistics, energy security, critical minerals, digital connectivity, investment opportunities and private-sector collaboration. The delegation also shared plans to establish a Regional Chambers Alliance to strengthen business-to-business cooperation among Chambers of Commerce and Industry across the CAREC region with support from the Asian Development Bank.
The CAREC Secretariat further briefed the Minister on an ADB-supported Digital Corridor Study involving Pakistan and other CAREC member countries to enhance regional digital connectivity.
Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan appreciated the continued support of CAREC and the Asian Development Bank in promoting regional economic integration. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to expanding regional trade, improving connectivity and strengthening investment cooperation with fellow CAREC member states.
