Ulaanbaatar:Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal has called for transforming the Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) Institute into a regional knowledge hub to enhance the exchange of research, expertise, and experiences among member countries.
According to Radio Pakistan, Ahsan Iqbal made this proposal while addressing the CAREC Institute's Governing Council meeting in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. He highlighted that after 25 years of developing infrastructure and trade corridors, the focus should now shift towards sharing knowledge, skills, and experiences alongside the movement of goods and energy.
Iqbal suggested the establishment of a regional knowledge platform, a roster of experts, and a formal mechanism for officials to exchange experiences. He emphasized the importance of cooperation in areas such as trade facilitation, customs systems, logistics, renewable energy, disaster management, agriculture, and skills development.
Moreover, he underscored the need for the CAREC Institute's activities to support policymaking and deliver tangible results. Cooperation in border management, integrated digital trade systems, and sharing information on climate risks were also highlighted as crucial areas for collaboration.
Looking forward to Pakistan's CAREC chairmanship in 2027, Iqbal noted that the country would prioritize knowledge-sharing and cooperation with member states, the CAREC Institute, and the Asian Development Bank in areas such as economic corridors, trade facilitation, digital connectivity, and climate resilience. He also offered to share Pakistan's Single Window experience and encouraged Pakistani universities and research institutions to join CAREC's regional knowledge network.
Ahsan Iqbal concluded by emphasizing that the Institute should focus on translating shared knowledge and research into practical actions and effective policies.
