October 28, 2017
News
ADB commits $5 billion for CAREC support
ISLAMABAD: Finance Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar on Friday visited Dushanbe, Tajikistan to attend the 16th Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC).
During his address to the conference, the finance minister reiterated Pakistan’s strong commitment to the CAREC Programme to improve connectivity in the region. Highlighting the geo-strategic location of Pakistan, the minister emphasized Pakistan’s role as facilitator for connecting the regions of South Asia and Central Asia, in order to enable efficient market access, and enhance trade and investment in the region. The minister said that Pakistan supported CAREC’s areas of focus in the sectors of energy, trade and transportation network. He also acknowledged the assistance of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) in augmenting these initiatives.
The finance minister endorsed the new CAREC Strategy 2030, on behalf of the government of Pakistan. He appreciated ADB’s leadership and efforts for including the areas of cooperation offered by the prime minister of Pakistan during the previous CAREC Ministerial Conference held in Islamabad in October 2016. The Finance Minister also suggested further steps in this regard. He emphasized the importance of collective efforts to enhance regional cooperation and achieve the common goals envisaged under the CAREC Program.
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk