Islamabad: In a recent development, Pakistan has affirmed its dedication to supporting the Commonwealth’s ambitious objective of achieving a USD 2 trillion trade volume among member states by 2030, as reported on August 2.
As per details, the commitment was underscored during a meeting in Islamabad between Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland and Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar. During her five-day visit to Pakistan, Secretary-General Scotland and Deputy Prime Minister Dar discussed a range of important issues, including climate change, youth and women empowerment, development, and education. At a news conference following their meeting, Dar reiterated Pakistan’s support for the Commonwealth’s trade enhancement goals. He emphasized Pakistan’s strategic vision of becoming a regional trade hub, which aims to create job opportunities for the youth and foster mutually beneficial cooperation. Dar praised Scotland’s vision for boosting intra-Commonwealth trade to USD 2 trillion by 2030 and highlighted the Commonwealth as a platform for building consensus on global issues. He also reaffirmed Pakistan’s dedication to values such as peace, development through dialogue, and respect for sovereignty. Scotland lauded Pakistan for its ongoing support and efforts in recovery following the 2022 floods, which had a significant impact on millions of people. She acknowledged Pakistan’s role in advancing Commonwealth principles and its potential in the digital and AI-enabled world. With 65% of Pakistan’s population under age 30, she stressed the crucial role of the youth in shaping the future of the Commonwealth. The meeting also covered the Commonwealth Connectivity Agenda for Trade and Investment (CCA), which aims to enhance trade and investment within the Commonwealth. The CCA, launched during the 2018 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, seeks to achieve the USD 2 trillion trade target by promoting best practices and domestic reforms through digitalization.
Dar highlighted Pakistan’s ongoing regional connectivity initiatives, including efforts to establish railway links with Uzbekistan and discussions with Turkmenistan regarding the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) pipeline. Despite the TAPI pipeline project facing delays, Pakistan’s strategic location is seen as pivotal for connecting Central Asian republics with global markets. Dar reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to advancing the Commonwealth’s agenda, focusing on connectivity, education, and climate resilience. He praised Secretary-General Patricia Scotland for her leadership and contributions to modernizing the Commonwealth’s outlook, and for her support in the aftermath of the 2022 floods. This renewed commitment from Pakistan highlights its proactive role in supporting the Commonwealth’s goals and its strategic vision for regional and global trade connectivity.
