ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has emphasized the need to strengthen economic and trade linkages across the region to promote peace and development, urging neighboring countries to take advantage of opportunities under the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

Addressing the concluding session of the Regional Transport Ministers’ Conference, the prime minister said CPEC is proving to be a transformative initiative for the entire region.

He noted that connecting Gwadar with China’s Xinjiang province is opening new avenues of cooperation in development and the energy sectors. “This collaboration will not only benefit all stakeholders but also reinforce collective efforts for peace and progress,” he remarked.

Prime Minister Shehbaz further stressed that enhanced regional connectivity will revolutionize economic and trade activities. “In today’s era, connectivity is not limited to roads, rail, or air routes — investment in digital infrastructure is equally vital,” he said, adding that Pakistan is investing in this domain to fully harness the benefits of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

Earlier, Pakistan and Qatar had reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing cooperation in key sectors including energy, agriculture, information technology, tourism, bilateral trade, and investment.

The understanding came during a meeting between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Qatar’s Minister of Commerce and Industry Sheikh Faisal bin Thani Al Thani, who is in Pakistan to co-chair the session of the Pakistan-Qatar Joint Ministerial Commission.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed satisfaction over the positive trajectory of Pakistan-Qatar relations and lauded Qatar’s role as an important partner and influential regional mediator.

During the meeting, the Prime Minister highlighted Pakistan’s investor-friendly policies and emphasized the significance of expanding bilateral cooperation in areas such as energy, agriculture, food security, information technology, tourism, and infrastructure development.