Amir Khan

Pakistan is one of the most consequential countries in the world but sadly in the past the country was unable to reap the benefits of its important geo-strategic position. These observations were made by experts at a discussion titled, “75 Years of Independence: Achieving Comprehensive National Security,” organized by the Institute of Strategic Studies (ISS), in Islamabad.

The speakers at the session said that Pakistan in its 75-year history remained unsuccessful in establishing long-lasting trade relations with its neighbours and therefore could not enjoy the fruits of economic development. Speaking at the occasion, Ambassador Mansoor Ahmad Khan said that Pakistan has not been fully integrated into the region through vital trade and economic links, adding that Pakistan and Afghanistan are not trading with each other to their full potential.

He said that both countries have failed in managing the basics of their economic interaction. “Pakistan and Afghanistan need to understand that moving forward, economic cooperation needs to be the bedrock of their relationship through the development of connectivity infrastructure.” Former Afghan Ambassador to Pakistan Dr Omar Zakhilwal during his speech said that Pakistan and Afghanistan need to enhance cooperation based on shared interest, which is the prosperity of their peoples on both sides of the border.

He lamented that trade and economic relations between the two countries are given secondary importance in government circles, adding that this is not a one-way relationship. He said if both countries want to have a beneficial relationship they need to give importance to the needs of the other. He continued, “we should stop viewing our bilateral relationship as one of dependency. Rather, we need to put economic prosperity at the heart of our relationship’s agenda.”

Former Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) to Pakistan Dr Ali Awadh Asseri, while presenting on the topic, “Enhancing Pakistan’s Economic Outreach to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,” said that KSA and Pakistan have a unique, profound, and durable relationship which includes collaboration in the spheres of politics, security, economics and culture. He said that the opening-up of the KSA under its Vision 2030 program offers many opportunities for Pakistani businessmen to invest in the sectors of construction, IT, tourism and finance.

He suggested the appointment of a labor attaché in Pakistan’s embassy in Riyadh to coordinate the efforts of both governments. Ambassador of Ethiopia to Pakistan, Jemel Beker Abdula, said that Pakistan has a history which could not be overlooked in assessing its importance. Pakistan, he said, always plays its part in propagating international peace and security.

The Ambassador said that Africa is no longer a poor continent and that the African nations are making long strides on the road to development. Africa is now being called as the “Land of Opportunities” after successfully fighting its way out of wars, civil wars, terrorism, underdevelopment and illiteracy. He continued, “Africa’s governing system is improving and we are thankful to the Pakistani government for initiating the ‘Engage Africa Policy.’

It will help in the improvement of economic relations between Pakistan and the African continent.” He added that Pakistan should establish institutional linkages with African nations under its “Engage Africa Policy” to boost bilateral, multilateral and regional cooperation for strengthening political, economic, security and cultural ties. He concluded by saying Pakistan should pay special attention to its relationship with Ethiopia since Ethiopia is a gateway to the wider African market and Pakistan could make profitable gains by establishing a foothold in the Ethiopian industry.

Credit : Independent News Pakistan-WealthPk