Staff Reporter Islamabad
Pakistan has asked the member countries of Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to consider making investments in Special Economic Zones (SEZs) set up under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project.
The call was made by Foreign Secretary Sohail Mahmood while delivering a keynote address at the Experts Dialogue on Pakistan-ASEAN: Shared Future and the Way Forward,” co-organised by the Embassy of Indonesia and the Institute of Strategic Studies, Islamabad.
Noting the steady trajectory of Pakistan-ASEAN relations, the foreign secretary underlined the high priority accorded by Pakistan to its relations with the Southeast Asian nations and its recognition of ASEAN’s vast economic potential and its centrality in the regional architecture.
Consistent with “Vision East Asia” policy, the foreign secretary underscored Pakistan’s commitment to further strengthen Pakistan-ASEAN partnership in all dimensions.
He specifically stressed the importance of forging closer cooperation in political, economic, security, tourism, education and socio-cultural domains.