CPEC offers great opportunities for Afghanistan, says Afghan envoy
ISLAMABAD: Emphasizing that Afghanistan will not permit its territory to be exploited by terrorist groups against Pakistan, Mawlawi Sardar Ahmad Shakeeb, the Chargé d’Affaires of Afghanistan, stated that the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) offers numerous opportunities for the region that 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).
Mawlawi Shakeeb noted that Afghanistan’s participation in the Belt and Road Initiative would not only boost investments in its infrastructure but also foster closer ties among regional nations. “We believe that trilateral cooperation among Afghanistan, Pakistan, and China can lead to a new era of regional partnership.”Pakistan, Chinese PMs virtually inaugurate New Gwadar International Airport
Recognizing Pakistan as one of Afghanistan’s key trade partners, he reiterated the Afghan interim administration’s commitment to enhancing trade and investment between the two nations. While acknowledging the recent challenges in their economic relations, he expressed Afghanistan’s determination to revitalize these ties. In addition to security issues, Mawlawi Shakeeb pointed out Western sanctions, frequent border closures, limited customs support, abrupt tariff increases, and thorough checks on freight vehicles as significant barriers to trade.
He stressed the necessity for both countries to invest in trade infrastructure, streamline customs procedures, bolster trade facilities, develop transport links, build mutual trust, and enhance diplomatic dialogue to achieve long-term trade benefits. Advocating for greater collaboration on economic policies and the expansion of transport and transit projects between Pakistan and Afghanistan, Mawlawi Shakeeb highlighted the importance of sustained diplomatic engagement among regional countries and joint efforts for peace and security to create a stable foundation for regional economic cooperation. He also emphasized the need to avoid imposing economic restrictions and policies that obstruct regional collaboration.
The Afghan Chargé d’Affaires underscored Afghanistan’s role as a bridge between South and Central Asia. He revealed that the Afghan interim administration has begun work on the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) gas pipeline and mentioned Kazakhstan’s interest in joining the project. He also noted Afghanistan’s efforts to implement initiatives like the Trans-Afghan Railway, CASA-1000, and other regional projects.
During the event, President of IRS, Ambassador Jauhar Saleem, emphasized the significance of peace and stability in Afghanistan for regional trade and economic prosperity. He warned that any instability in Afghanistan and the inability to curb terrorism would hinder the development of regional economic cooperation, which is essential for prosperity in the surrounding areas.
