BRI Summit: Jam focuses on regional connectivity, food security

HONG KONG – Federal Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan engaged in a series of bilateral discussions with regional counterparts during the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) Summit, concentrating on trade, connectivity, food security, and emerging technologies. The Commerce Minister met with counterparts from Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Qatar, alongside conversations with the International Organisation for Mediation (IoMed) Secretary General.

The meetings centered on boosting bilateral trade, enhancing regional connectivity, and fostering collaboration in emerging economic and technological domains. During his talks with Sri Lanka's Minister for Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Development, Wasantha Samarasinghe, both parties deliberated on bolstering bilateral trade and economic cooperation, including expanding and optimizing utilization of Pakistan's inaugural Free Trade Agreement.

The two ministers underscored the significance of heightened business-to-business and people-to-people exchanges, exploring possibilities for deeper cooperation in connectivity and infrastructure. Sri Lanka's minister highlighted the growing relevance of artificial intelligence and cybersecurity, while Pakistan's minister stressed the escalating role of digitalization in economic growth, urging developing countries to harness emerging technologies while simultaneously fortifying their ability to tackle associated challenges.

The discussion also encompassed food security, particularly its consequences for poorer and developing nations, as well as the effects of tensions in the Middle East on the global economy and international trade. Minister Jam Kamal Khan expressed gratitude to Sri Lanka for its assistance in reclassifying Pakistani kinnow for enhanced market access, while Sri Lanka reciprocated by valuing Pakistan's collaboration regarding Sri Lankan pineapples, avocados, and king coconut.

Both sides examined opportunities for increased cooperation in regional connectivity and infrastructure development.

In a distinct encounter with Bangladesh's Minister of Commerce, Industry, Textile and Jute, Khandakar Abdul Muktadir, discussions took place in a cordial atmosphere, with both sides reaffirming their dedication to strengthening economic collaboration and brotherly relations between Pakistan and Bangladesh. Bangladesh acknowledged Pakistan's commitment to regional solidarity and peace and recognized its role in resolving regional disputes.

Minister Jam Kamal Khan congratulated the new Bangladesh government, appreciating its reform aspirations, economic advancement, and commitment to heightened regional engagement. He recounted his recent visit to Bangladesh, emphasizing the considerable potential for intensified cooperation, escalated economic exchanges, and closer ties between the two countries.

Pakistan's rice exports to Bangladesh served as a promising illustration of augmented bilateral trade, and Bangladesh expressed interest in exploring avenues for sharing expertise and experiences in developing industries and fostering greater industrial cooperation.

Both sides also deliberated on contemporary issues such as climate change, food security, cybersecurity, and the expanding use of artificial intelligence. The ministers concurred that the BRI and better regional connectivity could play a crucial role in shaping the region's economic future, generating new trade and development prospects.

Federal Minister Jam Kamal Khan also met with Qatar's Minister of State for Foreign Trade Affairs, Ahmad bin Mohammad Al Sayed, discussing the latest Middle East developments and their broader regional and economic implications. The Qatari Minister acknowledged Pakistan's substantial contribution to regional peace and highlighted the beneficial impact of Pakistan's efforts.

Regional connectivity and the BRI were central to the discussions, with both sides investigating new avenues for transit and trade via the Middle East and Central Asia. They also explored potential links between Pakistan and Qatar through wider regional trade routes extending via the Middle East to Turkey and onward to Europe. Bilateral trade was also addressed, with both sides reaffirming their commitment to exploring novel areas of economic cooperation and expanding existing trade volumes.

The Commerce Minister also conversed with Ms. Teresa Chan, Secretary General of the International Organisation for Mediation (IoMed), who briefed him on the organization, established in 2025, and highlighted Pakistan's role as a contracting and founding member and its substantial contribution to the body. The array of high-level engagements with regional partners emphasized Pakistan's proactive economic diplomacy at the BRI Summit and its dedication to broadening trade, enhancing regional connectivity, promoting technological collaboration, and forging stronger economic alliances across the region.