On January 24-25, 2023, at the Institute for Strategic Studies, Research, and Analysis at National Defense University in Islamabad a two-day International Seminar on "Trade and Connectivity: Western Neighbourhood of Pakistan" was held in a hybrid format with the participation of representatives of the Government and private sector of Pakistan, Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO), Ambassadors and experts of ECO member states.
Speakers at the seminar noted the importance for the Islamic Republic of Pakistan of expanding trade and communications with its western neighbours and, in particular, with the countries of Central Asia, Afghanistan, Iran and Turkey.
During the seminar, the Ambassador of Turkmenistan A. Movlamov made a presentation, highlighting the experience of Neutral Turkmenistan in developing cooperation in the transport and energy sector, as one of the most important priorities of his country's foreign policy.
As part of the practical implementation of the foreign policy course and initiatives of Turkmenistan in recent years, Ambassador reported on the development of transit and transport corridors "North-South" and "West-East", passing through the territory of Turkmenistan.
It was emphasized, that the implementation of initiated by Turkmenistan major infrastructure projects, such as the construction of the TAPI gas pipeline, power transmission and fibre-optic lines along the route Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan and the construction of railways from Turkmenistan to Afghanistan open up great prospects for economic growth, regional cooperation, attracting large foreign investments, and solving a number of important social problems.
During the seminar, experts discussed the current geostrategic environment, the importance of regional trade and communications using air, road and rail transport, existing mechanisms, the scope and volume of trade, opportunities and prospects for regional cooperation.
