Mr. Khalid Taimur Akram, ED, PRCCSF participated as a keynote speaker in “Round table on “The Asian factor of multilateral cooperation in the global and regional outline: current state and future prospects” held at Marriott Hotel, Islamabad

On December 11, 2023, Mr. Khalid Taimur Akram, Executive Director, Pakistan Research Center for a Community with Shared Future (PRCCSF), participated as a speaker in a round table discussion on “The Asian factor of multilateral cooperation in the global and regional outline: current state and future prospects." The round table discussion was organized by the Embassy of the Republic of Kazakhstan to Pakistan, dedicated to the priorities of the chairmanship of the Republic of Kazakhstan in the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA) and the Shanghai Organization Cooperation (SCO).
During the inaugural session, the Ambassador of Kazakhstan, Mr. Yerzhan Kistafin, and the Chief Guest, Senator Mushahid Hussain Syed, welcomed everyone. They talked about Kazakhstan's role as the leader of Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA), focusing on regional security, cooperation, economic ties, energy security, and cultural exchanges. Kazakhstan's decision to lead regional integration highlights its importance for connecting regions, and its active involvement in mediating efforts as the chair of CICA has boosted its significance in Asia.
There were four sessions in total, and around 12 experts from Pakistan were invited as speakers. The speakers focused on the priorities of Kazakhstan's chairmanship in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) for 2023–2024. Kazakhstan, being a prominent figure in the SCO, aims to enhance the platform's role as a stabilizing force in a geopolitical setting that emphasizes economic cooperation and security.
Mr. Khalid Taimur Akram presented his speech on “Trade and Economic Interaction A Factor of Integration and Consolidation of the Structure." He said that Kazakhstan's historical role as a crucial nexus for transportation and trade remains unchanged. Remarkably, over 80% of goods en route from China and Central Asia to Europe, measured by volume, traverse through Kazakhstan, solidifying its position as a vital bridge for regional economic integration. Furthermore, Kazakhstan's commitment to large-scale projects is significantly enhancing the transportation of processed and food products.
Kazakhstan plays a pivotal role in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), emerging as a central participant in two key corridors such as the New Eurasian Land Bridge and the China-Central Asia-West Asia Corridor. Kazakhstan serves as a crucial geo-economic gateway and stands as a key regional trade connectivity route. He also highlighted the visionary policies of President Kassyem Tokayev, which have been instrumental in sustaining and enhancing initiatives such as sustaining foreign investment, strengthening regional connectivity, and promoting environmental sustainability.
At the conclusion of the conference, Mr. Khalid Taimur Akram received an award for his dedicated and determined efforts in strengthening relations between Kazakhstan and Pakistan.