Pakistan will make knowledge sharing a major focus when it assumes the CAREC chairmanship in 2027.
Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal announced the proposal during a CAREC Institute Governing Council meeting in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.
He said regional cooperation should move beyond physical infrastructure and trade connections. Countries should also share knowledge, expertise, and practical experiences.
CAREC cooperation has traditionally focused on areas such as roads, railways, energy links, and trade corridors. Pakistan now wants knowledge exchange to become a stronger part of this cooperation.
Ahsan Iqbal proposed establishing a regional knowledge platform for CAREC member countries. The platform could help countries share useful information and policy experiences.
The proposed system could include data, policy tools, project evaluations, and practical lessons. Policymakers could use this information when addressing similar challenges in their own countries.
The minister also suggested creating an expert directory. This directory could connect specialists and officials across participating countries.
A CAREC peer exchange facility was also proposed during the meeting. The facility would connect officials working on similar policy and development issues.
The proposed areas include trade facilitation and digital customs. Logistics, renewable energy, and disaster response could also be included.
Agriculture and skills development are additional areas identified for regional knowledge exchange. The initiative could allow officials to learn directly from experiences in other member countries.
Ahsan Iqbal also called for stronger cooperation in border management. He highlighted the importance of digital trade systems and shared climate-risk information.
According to the minister, several challenges faced by the region require coordinated responses. Greater information sharing could support countries dealing with common economic and environmental issues.
Pakistan is preparing to take over the CAREC chairmanship in 2027. The country plans to work with member states during its term.
The CAREC Institute and Asian Development Bank will also be involved in the cooperation process. Areas of focus will include economic corridors and trade facilitation.
Digital connectivity and climate resilience are also expected to feature prominently. Pakistan has offered its Pakistan Single Window as an example for regional cooperation.
The system could provide a practical example for countries interested in improving trade processes. Pakistani universities and research institutions may also join the proposed knowledge network.
Ahsan Iqbal said the CAREC Institute should develop into a regional knowledge hub. He said it could collect, test, and share knowledge among member countries.
The institute could also help countries turn shared knowledge into practical policy solutions. This would connect research and regional experience with government decision-making.
Pakistan’s upcoming chairmanship is expected to provide an opportunity to promote these proposals. The focus will include both physical connectivity and knowledge-based cooperation.
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The proposed approach aims to strengthen cooperation among CAREC members. It also seeks to encourage countries to learn from each other’s policies and development experiences.
