Pakistan vows deeper Belt and Road ties at HK summit

Pakistan's Federal Minister for Commerce, Jam Kamal Khan, pledged greater commitment to the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) during a summit in Hong Kong on Thursday. The BRI's Trans-Afghan Railway Initiative and improved rail and road ties with China, Khan explained, position Pakistan as a vital link between West, Central, and East Asia, facilitating the shortest viable trade route to Central Asia.

Khan highlighted the nation's vast agricultural potential, rich mineral deposits including copper, gold, and critical minerals, as well as its burgeoning young population, as prime areas for collaboration within the BRI framework. He emphasized Pakistan's dedication to export-led growth and industrial modernization, asserting that these advancements are reshaping the country's economic landscape.

The BRI, described by Khan as a "transformative vision of a global community with a shared future," has spurred nations to stimulate development, unlock economic opportunities, and strengthen cultural connections. Over the past decade, regional cooperation has shifted from mere transport routes to integrated value chains. Khan stressed that Pakistan is actively positioning itself as a key player in this evolving landscape.

Inviting Hong Kong's Chief Executive, John Lee, to visit Pakistan, Khan praised Lee's leadership and Hong Kong's scholarship initiative for Belt and Road partner countries. He underscored Pakistan's intention to deepen cooperation with partners like Hong Kong, particularly on climate adaptation and sustainable growth, in line with the BRI's green agenda.