Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan has said improved international connectivity is transforming Pakistan into a regional trade hub and providing Central Asian countries access to global markets through Pakistani ports.
Speaking during a special session at the 2nd Global Investment Forum in Baku, Azerbaijan, Khan said greater cooperation among countries was essential to address current global economic pressures.
Ministers and delegates from several countries participated in the forum, where Pakistan was represented by the federal communications minister.
Khan said countries around the world had been affected by prevailing economic pressures and Pakistan had taken measures to reduce government expenditure.
He said recent tensions along maritime routes had significantly increased freight rates, while Pakistan offered what he described as a safe corridor for regional trade.
The minister said Karachi Port, Port Qasim and Gwadar Port remained fully operational, adding that Karachi Port had handled more than 54 million metric tons of cargo annually.
He said Pakistan was playing a role in promoting regional peace and reducing tensions, while stronger transport links were increasing the country's importance as a regional trade and transit hub.
Khan said Pakistan served as a maritime gateway for Central Asian states and had recorded an increase in exports to countries in the region.
Pakistan's exports to Kazakhstan had crossed $240 million, while exports to Uzbekistan had risen above $118 million, he said.
The minister said the quadrilateral trade agreement involving Pakistan, China, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan was operational, while efforts were underway to include Uzbekistan and Tajikistan in the trade network.
He said Pakistan and Azerbaijan also had an agreement allowing 1,500 road transport permits annually, helping strengthen connectivity between South Asia and the Caucasus.
Khan said Pakistan was continuously upgrading its motorway network and trade corridors to improve regional connectivity.
He said the proposed M-6 and M-10 motorways would improve direct connectivity between Pakistani ports, China and Central Asian states.
The minister also highlighted the MNJC motorway project, describing it as an important alternative route to the Silk Road.
Khan said Pakistan was placing greater emphasis on public-private partnerships for infrastructure development while facilitating trade through digital customs procedures and paperless systems.
He said efforts were also being made to connect the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor network with regional frameworks of the Economic Cooperation Organization and Shanghai Cooperation Organization.
Azerbaijan's Economy Minister Mikayil Jabbarov and Türkiye's Finance Minister Mehmet Şimşek also participated in the panel discussion.
Economic ministers and representatives from Uzbekistan, North Macedonia, Syria, Tajikistan and Montenegro were among other participants at the session.