ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Commerce Khurram Dastgir Khan on Monday said regional trade integration and liberalisation was top priority of the government as it would help revive economy.

Addressing the inaugural session of the three-day conference on “Central Asian Business Opportunities” here on Monday, he urged international business groups and government officials to help identify hurdles in regional trade and their solutions during brainstorming sessions.

He said durable peace in the region was imperative for trade connectivity and economic integration among Pakistan, Afghanistan and Central Asian states.

Dastgir urged foreign investors to invest in infrastructure sectors which would not only enhance regional trade and bring prosperity, but also alleviate poverty.

The Pak-China Trade Corridor would play a pivotal role for trade connectivity and economic integration of the region, he added.

He said Gwadar Port provided a big opportunity to all the regional countries, connetcing them with European and other international markets.

The minister said this conference was a continuation of Almaty conference where all regional stakeholders had committed for peace, trade integration and connectivity.

Secretary Ministry of Commerce and Industry Muhammad Shehzad Arbab said the focus of the conference would be on regional trade cooperation and economic integration.

He said that Pakistan had important geo-strategic location. Afghanistan and Central Asian states could take advantage through Gwadar Port and Silk Route to enhance their trade and business activities, he added.—APP