On December 11, 2023, Mr. Khalid Taimur Akram, Executive Director of the Pakistan Research Center for a Community with Shared Future (PRCCSF), spoke at an important round table in Islamabad. The event focused on “The Asian factor of multilateral cooperation in the global and regional outline: current state and future prospects.”
Kazakhstan’s Leadership in Asian Cooperation
The round table was hosted by the Embassy of Kazakhstan in Pakistan. It highlighted Kazakhstan’s role as chair of two major organizations: the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA) and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO).
Kazakhstan’s Ambassador, Mr. Yerzhan Kistafin, and Senator Mushahid Hussain Syed welcomed attendees. They praised Kazakhstan’s efforts to boost regional security, economic ties, and cultural exchange.
Kazakhstan’s leadership in CICA has strengthened regional integration and diplomatic cooperation in Asia.
Key Sessions and Expert Insights
The event had four sessions, with around 12 Pakistani experts invited to speak. The focus was on Kazakhstan’s chairmanship priorities for 2023–2024 within the SCO.
Mr. Akram delivered a keynote titled “Trade and Economic Interaction: A Factor of Integration and Consolidation of the Structure.” He emphasized Kazakhstan’s long-standing role as a key trade and transport hub linking China, Central Asia, and Europe.
Kazakhstan’s Role in Regional Connectivity
Mr. Akram shared that more than 80% of goods traveling from China and Central Asia to Europe pass through Kazakhstan. He also discussed Kazakhstan’s key role in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), especially in two corridors: the New Eurasian Land Bridge and the China-Central Asia-West Asia Corridor.
Kazakhstan acts as a geo-economic gateway that strengthens regional trade and connectivity. Mr. Akram praised President Kassyem Tokayev’s policies, which support foreign investment, infrastructure, and environmental sustainability.
Award for Strengthening Ties
At the end of the round table, Mr. Khalid Taimur Akram received an award. This honored his efforts to strengthen relations between Kazakhstan and Pakistan.
