BRI Summit: Jam focuses on regional connectivity, food security

HONG KONG: Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan held a series of bilateral meetings with regional counterparts on the sidelines of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) Summit, focusing on trade, connectivity, food security and emerging technologies.

The Commerce Minister separately met his counterparts from Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Qatar, while also holding discussions with the Secretary General of the International Organisation for Mediation (IoMed), said a release issued here on Saturday.

The engagements focused on expanding bilateral trade, strengthening regional connectivity and developing greater cooperation in emerging economic and technological areas.

During his meeting with Sri Lanka’s Minister for Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Development, Wasantha Samarasinghe, both sides discussed ways to strengthen bilateral trade and economic cooperation, including expansion and greater utilisation of Pakistan’s first-ever Free Trade Agreement.

READ ALSO: Leveraging BRI financing: Pakistan presents USD4.85bn climate investment plan

The two ministers emphasised the importance of enhanced business-to-business and people-to-people exchanges and explored opportunities for closer cooperation in connectivity and infrastructure.

The Sri Lankan Minister highlighted the growing importance of artificial intelligence and cyber security.

Minister Jam Kamal Khan pointed to the increasing role of digitalisation in economic development and said developing countries should explore emerging technologies while simultaneously building their capacity to address associated challenges.

The two sides also discussed food security, particularly its impact on poorer and developing nations, as well as the implications of tensions in the Middle East for the global economy and international trade.

Minister Jam Kamal Khan thanked Sri Lanka for its support in the reclassification of Pakistani kinnow for improved market access.

The Sri Lankan Minister, in turn, appreciated Pakistan’s cooperation regarding Sri Lankan pineapples, avocados and king coconut.

Both sides also explored avenues for greater cooperation in regional connectivity and infrastructure development.

In a separate meeting with Bangladesh’s Minister of Commerce, Industry, Textile and Jute, Khandakar Abdul Muktadir, discussions were held in a cordial atmosphere, with both sides reaffirming their commitment to strengthening economic cooperation and brotherly relations between Pakistan and Bangladesh.

The Bangladeshi side appreciated Pakistan’s commitment to regional solidarity and peace and acknowledged its role in efforts aimed at resolving regional tensions.

Minister Jam Kamal Khan congratulated the new government of Bangladesh and appreciated its reform ambitions, economic progress and commitment to greater regional engagement.

Recalling his recent visit to Bangladesh, the Commerce Minister highlighted the considerable scope for stronger cooperation, greater economic exchanges and closer ties between the two countries.

Minister Khan referred to Pakistan’s rice exports to Bangladesh as an encouraging example of expanding bilateral trade and said there was significant potential to diversify trade into other areas, including textiles.

The Bangladeshi Minister expressed interest in exploring avenues for sharing expertise and experiences in developing industries and promoting greater industrial cooperation between the two countries.

Both sides also discussed modern challenges including climate change, food security, cyber threats and the growing use of artificial intelligence.

The ministers agreed that the BRI and stronger regional connectivity could play an important role in shaping the economic future of the region and creating new opportunities for trade and development.

Federal Minister Jam Kamal Khan also held a meeting with Qatar’s Minister of State for Foreign Trade Affairs, Ahmad bin Mohammad Al Sayed, during which both sides exchanged views on the latest developments in the Middle East and their wider regional and economic implications.

Minister Jam Kamal Khan appreciated Qatar’s resolve and commitment to maintaining peace and stability in the region.

The Qatari Minister acknowledged Pakistan’s significant contribution towards regional peace and highlighted the positive impact of its efforts.

Regional connectivity and the BRI featured prominently in the discussions, with both sides exploring new avenues for transit and trade through the Middle East and Central Asia.

The two ministers also discussed the potential for connecting Pakistan and Qatar through broader regional trade routes extending through the Middle East towards Türkiye and onward into Europe.

Bilateral trade was also discussed, with both sides reaffirming their commitment to exploring new areas of economic cooperation and expanding existing trade volumes.

The Commerce Minister also met Ms. Teresa Chan, Secretary General of the International Organisation for Mediation (IoMed).

Ms. Chan briefed the Minister on the organisation, established in 2025, and highlighted Pakistan’s role as a contracting and founding member and its important contribution to the organisation.

The meeting discussed the growing role of mediation in resolving disputes involving governments and private organisations, with IoMed poised to contribute towards peaceful and institutional dispute resolution.

The series of high-level engagements with regional counterparts underscored Pakistan’s proactive economic diplomacy at the BRI Summit and its commitment to expanding trade, strengthening regional connectivity, promoting technological cooperation and developing stronger economic partnerships across the region.