ADB to approve border connectivity facility for Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: The Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) Secretariat called on Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan on July 28 to brief him on key regional initiatives for trade, connectivity and investment.

The delegation informed the Minister that the Asian Development Bank (ADB) is expected to approve a Border Connectivity and Logistics Upgrade Facility soon to modernize Pakistan’s border infrastructure and boost regional trade.

It also briefed him on the operational launch of the Regional Trade and Investment Facilitation Partnership (CARIF), aimed at improving trade facilitation, logistics and investment across CAREC countries.

The Secretariat formally invited the Minister to the CAREC Ministerial Conference and Business Forum scheduled for Sept 29-30, 2026 in Mongolia. The forum will focus on logistics, energy security, critical minerals, digital connectivity and private sector collaboration.

Plans to form a Regional Chambers Alliance with ADB support were also shared. The Minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to regional economic integration.