ACD, Planning Ministry agrees to enhance further cooperation in six priority sectors Secretary General
Secretary-General Asian Cooperation Dialogue (ACD), Dr. Pornchai Danvivathana on Wednesday called on Secretary Ministry of Planning Development & Special Initiatives, Syed Zafar Ali Shah and matters related to cooperation under the banner of the ACD came under discussion. ACD is a continent-wide forum, which provides a platform to Asian Countries to regularly exchanged views on area of mutual interest and foster an Asian community. It was established in 2002, currently it has 35 member including Pakistan. The main objective of ACD includes promoting interdependence among Asian countries in all areas of cooperation, expanding trade and financial market with Asia to increase the bargaining power of Asian countries; enhancing Asia’s economic competitiveness in the global market and transforming the Asian community. During the meeting, both the sides have agreed to enhance further cooperation in six priority areas which include Tourism and Culture, Human Development, Energy, Telecom and infrastructure for mutual benefit & regional prosperity. Speaking on the occasion, the Secretary Planning Ministry highlighted the six priority areas in which further cooperation is to be enhanced particularly in tourism and culture. He also highlighted several initiatives taken by the government in various sectors particularly in tourism, culture, sports and infrastructure sectors. ACD is the right forum which brings all together to promote interdependence among Asian countries in all areas of cooperation, said Syed Zafar Ali Shah, while stressing the translation of such actions. Similarly, further initiatives which recently Planning Ministry has taken was also highlighted which include Hyderabad-Sukkur Motorway, Gwadar Airport to be launched in June 2023, Gwadar and Port Qasim which connected with national highways, ML-1, National Internships Programs, establishment of 205 Sports Complex across Pakistan. He also emphasized cooperation in ecommerce, SME and business to business meetings and both have agreed to continue followed up interaction for their implementation. Dr. Pornchai Danvivathana appreciated the work of the Planning Ministry and agreed to continue cooperation in priority areas and assured his full support in implementing of work of priority areas. He also stressed for engaging other sectoral ministries to extend the scope of the priority areas. During the meeting the impact of flood 2022 also came under discussion which affected 33 million people. Secretary Syed Zafar Ali Shah highlighted Pakistan’s achievements to get $10.92b pledges from the Geneva conference held last month for the flood-affected people. Pakistan had prepared a ‘Resilient Recovery, Rehabilitation, and Reconstruction Framework 4RF framework based on Post Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA). It is noted that Pakistan is one the founding members of ACD and it hosted 4th ACD Ministerial meeting held in 2005. Pakistan became Prime Mover for the Pillar of Connectivity and Co- Prime Mover for the Pillar of Tourism and Culture during 2nd summit held in 2016 in Thailand. Pakistan also established a Joint Working Group JWG on connectivity with other Co-Prime Movers connectivity.
