ISTANBUL: Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi has urged the D-8 countries to focus on project implementation for development, progress and prosperity of the people.
He was addressing the ninth summit of the organization at Istanbul in Turkey on Friday.
The Prime Minister expressed confidence that the organization would continue its journey along the path of more robust economic cooperation.
He also expressed Pakistan’s desire that the member countries should have stronger voice at international level.
He appreciated the theme of the summit “Expanding Opportunities through Cooperation” and said it is in complete harmony with the post-2017 development agenda, visualizing sustainable development as one of the core elements of people-centric development.
Referring to eight D-8 summit held in Pakistan in 2012, the Prime Minister said it adopted two landmark documents: the D-8 Charter and the Global Vision.
Shahid Khaqan Abbasi said another significant milestone achieved during this period was the Observer Status for D-8 at the United Nations.
This enables the Organization to closely interact with various UN agencies and affiliated institutions for cooperative arrangements in priority areas for us.
The Prime Minister urged the summit to take stock of the progress made so far on trade and economic partnership goals. He said the forum is a good opportunity for us to identify and remove the impediments in the way of achieving the Organization’s objectives.
The Prime Minister said it is important for D-8 to fully implement various instruments and agreements aimed at facilitating trade amongst member states, especially those related to Preferential Trade, Small and Medium Enterprises, Customs, Simplification of Visa matters and Civil Aviation.
He said it is also imperative for the governments of member countries to facilitate trade and investment by adopting the necessary legal framework for investment protection and creating an enabling environment for business in their respective countries. The Prime Minister said realization of our combined potential and optimising collective resources requires cooperation and collaboration at every level and every field.
He said only then will we be able to attain the critical synergy that will bring shared, secure and sustainable prosperity to our nations.
Shahid Khaqan Abbasi referred to challenges facing Pakistan including unrelenting terrorism emanating from instability in the neighbourhood and said the country was able to turn the tide due to a comprehensive strategy.
He said improved security has led to economic recovery and the country is focusing on upgrading communications and energy infrastructure and enhancing regional connectivity.
He said China-Pakistan Economic Corridor will further put our economy on an upward trajectory of robust growth.
Pakistan’s integration into the Eurasian Belt and Road network will provide a firm foundation for Pakistan’s rapid economic development.
Earlier, the Summit has adopted the Istanbul Declaration 2017 and the D-8 Istanbul Plan of Action to inject further dynamism into the pace of progress of the Organization.
