Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal has proposed transforming Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) transport routes into next-generation economic corridors by integrating infrastructure, logistics, digital connectivity, energy cooperation and climate resilience.
Speaking at the 25th CAREC Ministerial Conference in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, Iqbal said Pakistan views CAREC Corridors 5 and 6 as a major opportunity to connect Central Asian countries with the Arabian Sea while creating new avenues for trade, investment and economic activity.
The minister stressed that the focus should extend beyond simply moving goods along existing routes. He called for the development of logistics and production hubs at strategic locations, including cold-storage facilities, packaging units, warehouses and light manufacturing centres. According to Iqbal, these facilities could help convert transit traffic into exports, employment and greater economic opportunities for communities along the corridors.
Iqbal also proposed establishing a digital corridor across the CAREC region. He highlighted Pakistan’s Single Window system as a potential foundation for phased digital integration with regional partners, allowing trade documentation and other procedures to be processed electronically before consignments reach border crossings.
The minister further called for more coordinated border management, including compatible operating hours, advance electronic information, streamlined procedures and fewer repeated inspections. He emphasized the importance of measuring indicators such as border delays, delivery times, local employment, SME participation and opportunities for women and young people.
Iqbal said regional cooperation should ultimately make trade routes more predictable and competitive while helping farmers, businesses and communities gain greater access to regional and international markets.
Earlier, while addressing the opening session of the conference, held under the theme “25 Years of Partnership, Shaping the Future Together,” Iqbal said Pakistan looks forward to assuming the CAREC chairmanship in 2027 and hosting the 26th CAREC Ministerial Conference.
