ISLAMABAD (special crosspondent) – The Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) Secretariat held a strategic meeting with Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan to deliberate on regional trade agendas, connectivity, and investment integration. During the session, the delegation highlighted the Central Asia Seeks Trade Corridors to Pakistani Ports Amid Challenges as a pivotal element of ongoing discussions regarding regional economic stability.

ADB Support for Border Infrastructure

The delegation briefed the Minister on significant developments supported by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), noting that the bank is poised to approve a Border Connectivity and Logistics Upgrade Facility in the coming weeks. This initiative is designed to modernize Pakistan’s border infrastructure, thereby facilitating smoother cross-border trade. Furthermore, officials confirmed that Pakistan remains a key participant in the Regional Trade and Investment Facilitation Partnership (CARIF) framework, which is currently entering its operational phase to enhance logistics and investment cooperation across the region.

Upcoming Ministerial Conference in Mongolia

Preparations for the forthcoming CAREC Ministerial Conference and Business Forum, scheduled for September 29–30, 2026, in Mongolia, were a focal point of the meeting. The CAREC Secretariat formally invited Jam Kamal Khan to attend the conference, which aims to convene government leaders, international investors, and private sector stakeholders. The Business Forum is expected to address critical regional issues, including energy security, the role of critical minerals, and digital infrastructure. Additionally, the Secretariat unveiled plans for a Regional Chambers Alliance, facilitated by the ADB, to bolster business-to-business engagement across member states.

Digital Connectivity Initiatives

The meeting also addressed the ADB-supported Digital Corridor Study, which includes Pakistan as a major partner. This project seeks to improve regional digital connectivity, a prerequisite for modernizing trade routes. Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan expressed his appreciation for the sustained technical and financial assistance from CAREC and the ADB. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s dedication to fostering a collaborative economic environment, emphasizing the country’s strategic role in regional trade integration and long-term economic development.