Islamabad: Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal emphasized that Pakistan’s strategic location in a region encompassing a population of three billion offers significant potential for trade and commerce. He made these remarks during a ceremony marking the launch of a comprehensive research report on the feasibility of establishing an East-West Economic Corridor that aims to connect South Asia with Central Asia.

According to Radio Pakistan, the Minister highlighted that while the concept of an East-West Economic Corridor linking Central Asia, Afghanistan, Iran, Pakistan, and India is not new, it requires transformation from a mere aspiration into a concrete policy supported by political commitment and mutual trust among the countries involved.

Ahsan Iqbal also recognized the substantial potential of regional corridors, particularly a land-based East-West corridor, as a means to unlock economic prosperity and enhance access to global markets for all participating nations. The development of such corridors, he suggested, could serve as a catalyst for economic growth and integration in the region.