Islamabad: The Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) Secretariat met with Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan to discuss key initiatives aimed at bolstering trade, connectivity, and economic integration among CAREC member countries.

According to Press Information Department, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) is set to approve a Border Connectivity and Logistics Upgrade Facility soon, which aims to modernize Pakistan’s border infrastructure and enhance regional trade. Pakistan continues to play an active role in the Regional Trade and Investment Facilitation Partnership (CARIF) framework, entering its operational phase to boost trade facilitation and logistics cooperation across the region.

The meeting also centered on preparations for the upcoming CAREC Ministerial Conference and Business Forum in Mongolia on September 29-30, 2026. During the session, the CAREC Secretariat extended a formal invitation to Minister Khan to attend the conference, which will gather government officials, development partners, investors, and private sector representatives from the region.

Additionally, discussions highlighted the focus of the Business Forum on logistics, energy security, critical minerals, digital connectivity, and investment opportunities. Plans to establish a Regional Chambers Alliance were also shared, aiming to enhance business cooperation among Chambers of Commerce and Industry in the region with ADB’s support.

The CAREC Secretariat further briefed the Minister on an ADB-supported Digital Corridor Study involving Pakistan and other member countries to improve regional digital connectivity. Minister Khan expressed appreciation for CAREC and ADB’s ongoing support in promoting economic integration and reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to enhancing regional trade and investment cooperation.