CAREC member states: Jam briefed on key regional initiatives

ISLAMABAD: A delegation of the Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) Secretariat on Wednesday called on Federal Minister for Commerce, Jam Kamal Khan, and briefed him on key regional initiatives aimed at strengthening trade, connectivity, investment and economic integration among CAREC member countries.

During the meeting, the delegation informed the minister that the Asian Development Bank (ADB) is expected to approve a Border Connectivity and Logistics Upgrade Facility in the coming weeks to support the modernization of Pakistan’s border infrastructure and enhance regional trade and connectivity.

The delegation also informed the minister that Pakistan remains an active participant in implementing the Regional Trade and Investment Facilitation Partnership (CARIF) framework, which is entering its operational phase to promote trade facilitation, logistics cooperation and investment across the CAREC region.

The meeting reviewed preparations for the upcoming CAREC Ministerial Conference and Business Forum, to be held in Mongolia on September 29–30, 2026. During the meeting, the CAREC Secretariat formally invited the federal minister to participate in the conference, which will bring together ministers, senior government officials, development partners, international investors and private sector representatives from across the CAREC region.

The delegation informed the Minister that the Business Forum will focus on logistics, energy security, critical minerals, digital connectivity, investment opportunities and private sector collaboration. It also shared plans to establish a Regional Chambers Alliance to strengthen business-to-business cooperation among Chambers of Commerce and Industry across the CAREC region with support from the Asian Development Bank.

The CAREC Secretariat also briefed the minister on the ADB-supported Digital Corridor Study, involving Pakistan and other CAREC member countries to enhance regional digital connectivity.

Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan appreciated the continued support of CAREC and the Asian Development Bank in promoting regional economic integration and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening regional trade, connectivity and investment cooperation.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026