Caretaker Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani on Thursday reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering support and commitment to fostering cooperation in critical and practical areas in Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) region including enhancing connectivity and transport links, youth empowerment, investment in key sectors with high regional potential, such as agriculture, mining, minerals, energy, and information technology.
He said during Pakistan’s Chair of Council of Heads of Government (CHG) Pakistan will also continue to strengthen cooperation in the fields of education and poverty alleviation.
Addressing the meeting of SCO Council of Heads of Government (CHG) in Bishkek, the foreign minister said as the succeeding Chair of the Council, Pakistan would continue to support the existing mechanisms and welcome new initiatives.
The council is the second-highest body within the SCO and focuses on issues related to economy, finance, trade and socio-economic collaboration.
Jilani said SCO was the key platform for taking the vision of Eurasian connectivity to the next level. Pakistan’s location at the crossroads of South Asia, Central Asia and the Middle East makes it an ideal trade conduit.
He informed that Pakistan planed to host a Conference on Transport Connectivity for Regional Prosperity to ensure an economically integrated region.
The foreign minister highlighted that China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) was a force multiplier for regional connectivity. “Lack of connectivity is an impediment to regional trade, investment and development. CPEC does not only connect Pakistan to its neighbour China but also offers all SCO Member States a chance to invest in our shared future and full regional economic integration.”
SCO Business Council and SCO Interbank Association can play a vital role in fostering economic and commercial cooperation among SCO member states, through strengthening interaction among entrepreneurs and promoting people-to-people contact, he said adding the Council and the Association could also facilitate investment in areas of mutual benefit for all SCO Member States.
“To advance these objectives and bolster connections among businessmen and industrialists from SCO Member States, Pakistan proposes to host SCO Businessmen Conference,” he added.—APP
