ISLAMABAD (special crosspondent) – The Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) Secretariat held a high-level briefing with the Federal Minister for Commerce, Jam Kamal Khan, to outline strategic regional initiatives. The discussion focused on bolstering trade, connectivity, investment, and economic integration among CAREC member nations, highlighting Pakistan’s pivotal role in Central Asia Seeks Trade Corridor Access Through Pakistan Ports.

ADB Support for Border Infrastructure

During the session, the delegation updated the Minister on the Asian Development Bank’s (ADB) upcoming approval of a Border Connectivity and Logistics Upgrade Facility. This initiative is expected to be sanctioned in the coming weeks, providing critical support for the modernization of Pakistan’s border infrastructure, which is essential to enhance regional trade flow and connectivity.

Advancing the CARIF Framework

The delegation noted that Pakistan remains a proactive participant in the Regional Trade and Investment Facilitation Partnership (CARIF) framework. As the framework transitions into its operational phase, it aims to foster comprehensive trade facilitation, logistics cooperation, and robust investment streams across the entire CAREC region.

Preparations for the Mongolia Ministerial Conference

The meeting served as a forum to review preparations for the upcoming CAREC Ministerial Conference and Business Forum, scheduled to take place in Mongolia from September 29–30, 2026. The CAREC Secretariat formally extended an invitation to Federal Minister Jam Kamal Khan to lead the delegation. This high-profile conference will convene ministers, senior officials, development partners, and private sector leaders to drive regional agendas.

Focus on Regional Digital and Energy Connectivity

The Business Forum is slated to address vital areas including energy security, logistics, critical minerals, and digital connectivity. Furthermore, the Secretariat unveiled plans for a Regional Chambers Alliance designed to strengthen business-to-business cooperation among regional Chambers of Commerce and Industry with institutional backing from the ADB. Additionally, the Secretariat briefed the Minister on an ADB-supported Digital Corridor Study aimed at improving regional digital infrastructure. Minister Jam Kamal Khan concluded the meeting by reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to these regional integration goals, expressing appreciation for the sustained support provided by CAREC and the ADB.