Ulaanbaatar: Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal has advocated for the transformation of the Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) Institute into a regional knowledge hub. This initiative is aimed at fostering the exchange of research, expertise, and experiences among member countries, he stated during the CAREC Institute’s Governing Council meeting in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.
According to Radio Pakistan, Ahsan Iqbal underscored that, after 25 years dedicated to developing road, rail, and energy connectivity and trade corridors, the next phase of regional cooperation should emphasize the sharing of knowledge, experiences, and skills. This shift would complement the movement of goods and energy across the region. His proposal includes the establishment of a regional knowledge platform, a roster of experts, and a formal mechanism for officials to exchange experiences and learn from one another.
The Minister highlighted the importance of cooperation in various sectors, including trade facilitation, customs systems, logistics, renewable energy, disaster management, agriculture, and skills development. He stressed that the activities of the CAREC Institute should support policymaking and deliver tangible results.
Additionally, Ahsan Iqbal called for collaboration in border management, integrated digital trade systems, and information-sharing on climate risks. Referring to Pakistan’s upcoming CAREC chairmanship in 2027, he stated that the country would prioritize knowledge-sharing and promote cooperation with member states, the CAREC Institute, and the Asian Development Bank. This collaboration would focus on economic corridors, trade facilitation, digital connectivity, and climate resilience.
He offered to share Pakistan’s experience with the Single Window system and indicated that Pakistani universities and research institutions would be encouraged to join CAREC’s regional knowledge network. Ahsan Iqbal emphasized the need for the Institute to translate shared knowledge and research into practical action and effective policies.