HONG KONG, September 10, 2026: Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan has highlighted Pakistan’s strategic position as a regional trade and connectivity hub while reaffirming the country’s commitment to the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) at the 11th Belt and Road Summit in Hong Kong.
Addressing the summit, the minister said the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) was strengthening Pakistan’s economic connectivity through infrastructure, energy and industrial cooperation. He said improved links with China and Central Asian countries could position Pakistan as a bridge connecting West, Central and East Asia with international markets.
CPEC and regional connectivity
Jam Kamal Khan said CPEC was helping connect landlocked Central Asia and western China with Pakistan’s warm-water ports. He noted that expanding road and rail links, along with transit-trade arrangements with Central Asian states, could provide access to a regional market of about 1.5 billion people.
The minister also pointed to port reforms, digital customs systems and modern logistics as measures aimed at reducing trade costs and transit times. He said these developments could strengthen Pakistan’s potential as a regional transshipment hub.
According to the minister, regional cooperation is increasingly moving beyond traditional transport corridors towards integrated value chains. He stressed the importance of digital technology, sustainability and skilled employment in shaping future regional trade.
Pakistan seeks investment in key sectors
Speaking about the country’s economic outlook, Jam Kamal Khan said improved macroeconomic stability, fiscal discipline and credit ratings had contributed to greater investor confidence.
He said Pakistan’s economic strategy focuses on export-led growth, industrial modernisation, investment facilitation, regulatory reforms and greater value addition. Traditional sectors such as textiles and agro-processing, he added, are being complemented by knowledge-based manufacturing and services.
The minister invited international investors to explore opportunities in Pakistan’s mineral sector, including copper, coal and other industrial and critical minerals, under transparent and investor-friendly frameworks.
He also highlighted Pakistan’s agricultural potential, saying climate-smart farming, modern seed technologies and stronger supply chains could support food security while expanding agricultural exports.
Focus on climate resilience and technology
Climate resilience was also among the issues highlighted at the summit. Jam Kamal Khan said Pakistan, as a climate-vulnerable country, was seeking stronger cooperation with BRI partners, including Hong Kong, in climate adaptation, technological resilience and sustainable development.
He identified artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and climate-induced food insecurity among the major challenges facing economies today. Pakistan, he said, was working to modernise its digital infrastructure while promoting climate-smart agriculture, green industries and renewable energy.
The minister also highlighted the country’s young population and overseas workforce, noting that annual remittances of around $40 billion reflected the skills and global contribution of Pakistanis working abroad.
Opportunities under CPEC Phase II
Jam Kamal Khan invited BRI partners to explore opportunities under CPEC Phase II, particularly in industrialisation, agriculture, mining, energy, technology and export-oriented production.
He also pointed to Pakistan’s potential in religious, cultural and nature-based tourism, citing its mountain landscapes, valleys and Buddhist, Sikh and Sufi heritage sites as areas with opportunities for tourism and hospitality investment.
The minister welcomed Hong Kong’s initiative to provide around 150 Belt and Road scholarships to students from partner countries and emphasised the role of student exchanges and people-to-people contacts in strengthening long-term relations.
He also commended Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee for promoting economic engagement with Central and South Asia and invited him to visit Pakistan.
Concluding his address, Jam Kamal Khan said Pakistan remained committed to strengthening links between the BRI and South and Southeast Asia while promoting trade, investment, regional integration and inclusive development.