ISLAMABAD: The Chargé d’Affaires of Afghanistan Mawlawi Sardar Ahmad Shakeeb stated that the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) has created numerous opportunities for the region, which could also benefit Afghanistan.
He made these remarks at a seminar titled “Strengthening Economic Ties between Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Central Asia,” organized by the Institute of Regional Studies (IRS).
During his address, he emphasized that Afghanistan will not permit its territory to be used by terrorist groups against Pakistan.
Mawlawi Shakeeb further noted that Afghanistan’s participation in the Belt and Road Initiative would not only enhance investments in its infrastructure but also strengthen ties among regional countries. “We believe that trilateral cooperation among Afghanistan, Pakistan, and China can usher in a new era of regional collaboration,” he stated.
Highlighting Pakistan as one of Afghanistan’s leading trade partners, he reaffirmed the Afghan interim administration’s commitment to enhancing trade and investment between the two nations. He acknowledged the recent challenges in trade relations but expressed optimism about revitalizing economic ties.
Mawlawi Shakeeb pointed out that issues such as Western sanctions, frequent closures of border crossings, limited customs facilitation, sudden tariff increases, and thorough checks on loaded vehicles were significant obstacles to trade flow.
He stressed the necessity for both countries to invest in trade infrastructure, streamline customs processes, improve trade facilities, develop transportation links, build mutual trust, and enhance diplomatic dialogue to achieve long-term trade benefits. Emphasizing the importance of greater collaboration on economic policies and the expansion of transportation and transit projects, he called for sustained diplomatic engagement among regional countries and joint efforts for peace and security to establish a solid foundation for regional economic cooperation. He also urged against imposing economic restrictions and policies that impede regional collaboration.
Mawlawi Shakeeb highlighted Afghanistan’s role as a bridge between South and Central Asia, noting that the Afghan interim administration has already commenced work on the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) gas pipeline, with Kazakhstan expressing interest in joining the project.
He mentioned that Afghanistan is also focused on implementing initiatives such as the Trans-Afghan Railway, CASA-1000, and other regional projects.
In his remarks, President IRS Ambassador Jauhar Saleem underscored the significance of peace and stability in Afghanistan for facilitating intraregional trade and economic prosperity.
He cautioned that insecurity in Afghanistan and the inability to prevent the outflow of terrorism would hinder the establishment of regional economic cooperation, which is essential for bringing prosperity to the entire neighborhood.
