Ashgabat: Federal Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives, Prof. Ahsan Iqbal, arrived in Turkmenistan for an official visit to participate in the inaugural Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) Forum on Sustainable Development.
This visit underscores Pakistan’s firm commitment to advancing regional connectivity, economic integration, and sustainable development as part of the URAAN Pakistan initiative.
Upon his arrival in Ashgabat, the Minister visited the Embassy of Pakistan, where he engaged with the diplomatic staff and members of the Pakistani community.
During his address, Prof. Iqbal highlighted the immense potential for boosting economic cooperation between Pakistan and Turkmenistan.
He stressed that strengthening regional ties is critical to realizing the Government’s vision of a prosperous and sustainable Pakistan under the URAAN Pakistan initiative.
The Minister expressed optimism about the realization of the Turkmenistan-to-Pakistan Gas Pipeline project, emphasizing its importance for regional energy security.
He noted that this project would not only bring Turkmenistan’s energy resources to Pakistan but would also contribute to the country’s green energy transition—an essential step in addressing climate challenges and ensuring sustainable, accessible energy for all.
Prof. Iqbal also invited Turkmen energy companies to establish operations in Pakistan, pointing to the country’s improving macroeconomic indicators, successful fiscal discipline, and investor-friendly reforms.
He highlighted how Pakistan’s economic recovery and stabilization are the result of effective policy implementation under the URAAN Pakistan initiative.
Additionally, the Minister focused on the rich agricultural potential of Pakistan, emphasizing opportunities for collaboration in sectors such as meat, fish, fruits, and other agriculture-based products.
He also highlighted the possibility of industrial cooperation between Turkmenistan’s cotton industry and Pakistan’s textile sector, aligning this with Pakistan’s goal to build resilient value chains under the URAAN Pakistan framework.
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Acknowledging the deep cultural and regional connections between the two nations, Prof. Iqbal remarked, “While our clocks tick together, our hearts also beat together,” underscoring the strong spirit of friendship and solidarity between the two countries.
The Minister’s visit also highlights Pakistan’s successful transition from the first phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) to CPEC Phase 2.0, which will focus more on industrial cooperation, green energy, innovation, and agricultural modernization.
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These efforts, alongside governance reforms to improve service delivery, are essential for achieving the transformative goals set under the URAAN Pakistan initiative.
