Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal has outlined a plan to link Central Asian trade with the Arabian Sea through upgraded transport, logistics and trade infrastructure in Pakistan.
Speaking at the 25th Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) Ministerial Conference in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, Iqbal said Pakistan could use CAREC Corridors 5 and 6 to connect Central Asian markets with the Arabian Sea.
He said the objective should go beyond simply moving trucks across borders. The routes should allow businesses to transport goods efficiently and profitably while creating opportunities for exports, investment and employment.
Iqbal said Pakistan would need to improve key parts of the transport network, including CAREC roads, border facilities at Torkham and Chaman, rail freight through the proposed ML-1 upgrade, and connections between dry ports and seaports.
He also called for logistics and production centers to be developed along major routes. Facilities such as warehouses, cold storage, packaging units and light manufacturing could help convert transit traffic into exports and local economic activity.
The minister proposed greater digital integration among CAREC countries as well. He said Pakistan’s Single Window system could serve as a starting point for connecting trade systems with regional partners and speeding up documentation.
He suggested that trade documents should be processed electronically before consignments reach the border. He also called for coordinated border procedures, compatible operating hours, advance information sharing and fewer duplicate checks.
Iqbal said the success of regional connectivity should be measured through practical indicators, including border waiting times, delivery periods, employment creation, small and medium-sized business participation and opportunities for women and youth.
He also highlighted energy cooperation and climate resilience. Referring to CASA-1000, he said cross-border energy projects showed the potential for regional cooperation, while new transport and logistics infrastructure should be built to withstand extreme weather, including floods and heat.
The minister urged CAREC countries to jointly identify priority cross-border projects, use common standards and coordinate investment and construction timelines. He said the Asian Development Bank could help arrange financing, including private-sector investment.
Iqbal also said Pakistan is preparing to take over the CAREC Chairmanship in 2027 and host the 26th CAREC Ministerial Conference.
He said Pakistan’s position between Central Asia, South Asia and maritime trade routes provides an opportunity to strengthen regional connectivity, trade, digital integration and value chains.
On the sidelines of the conference, Iqbal witnessed the signing of an MoU between the CAREC Capital Markets Development Forum and the ASEAN Capital Markets Forum. The agreement aims to promote cooperation, regulatory coordination and stronger links between the capital markets of the two regions.
