AVN Report
ISLAMABAD: Former ambassador Babar Amin, Pakistan’s first National Coordinator for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), sheds light on Pakistan’s potential as a natural partner for advancing connectivity, trade, and economic cooperation within the region.
Speaking at a roundtable organized by the China-Pakistan Study Centre (CPSC) at the Institute of Strategic Studies (ISSI), Mr Amin delineates Pakistan’s strategic objectives within the SCO.
Emphasizing efforts to strengthen bilateral relations with Russia through the SCO platform, Ambassador Amin underscores the pivotal role of connectivity and infrastructure development in tackling energy crises. He stressed Pakistan’s alignment with SCO goals, particularly through initiatives such as the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which facilitates regional connectivity and promotes trade.
He also highlights Pakistan’s potential to contribute to security cooperation within the SCO, drawing from its extensive counter-terrorism experience and collaboration with the Regional Anti-Terrorism Structure (RATS) mechanism.
Pakistan aims to enhance historical ties with Central Asia and deepen its strategic partnership with China through active engagement in SCO meetings and initiatives.
Mr Amin outlines key strategic priorities for Pakistan within the SCO, including establishing itself as a reliable partner and enhancing non-traditional security cooperation through the RATS mechanism. He also underscores the potential for constructive engagement with India through SCO platforms, developing avenues for bilateral dialogue.
The discussions offer valuable insights into Pakistan’s future role within the SCO, as it prepares to host the Council of Heads of Government (CHG) summit, reaffirming its commitment to regional cooperation and economic integration.
In his welcome address, DG ISSI Ambassador (Retd) Sohail Mahmood underscores the significance of the SCO as a trans-regional platform, its growth and the opportunities it presents for Pakistan.
Dr Liaqat Ali Shah, Executive Director of the Centre of Excellence for China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), emphasizes the alignment between SCO’s agenda and the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), stressing the importance of synergy to promote regional integration.
Dr. Shazia Ghani, Senior Research Associate at the Grenoble Centre of Research on Economy, France, addresses the challenges and opportunities of financial integration within the SCO, advocating for a deeper understanding of member states’ economies and exploring trade in regional currencies like the Renminbi to exploit economic potential effectively.
