Asia, as the most dynamic region in the world, has been growing at a much faster rate in the past three decades. If this trend continues, the 21st century will belong to Asia. Mr. Sartaj Aziz, Foreign Affairs Adviser, stated this at the 14th Ministerial meeting of the Asian Cooperation Dialogue (ACD), in Bangkok, today.
Pakistan is among the founding member of the ACD, established 14 years ago in Thailand.
In his remarks, the Adviser highlighted the importance of connectivity in attaining Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for 2030. In this context, he highlighted Pakistan’s initiative in improving trade and energy connectivity with China, South Asia and West Asia through projects like CASA-1000, TAPI, IP Gas Pipeline and China Pakistan Economic Corridor.
At today’s session of the ACD, the Foreign Ministers identified 6 clusters on which ACD will seek cooperation within the framework of 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda:(i) Food, Energy and Water Security, (ii) Connectivity, (iii) Science, Technology and Innovation, (iv) Education and HR development, (v) Tourism and Culture, (vi) Alternative approaches to Inclusive and Sustainable development.
The temporary Secretariat of the ACD is currently in Kuwait. The Ministers decided to revitalize High-level Study Group to consider the proposal to upgrade the temporary Secretariat into the Permanent Secretariat.The Conference admitted Nepal as 34th member of the ACD.
Earlier, Pakistan was represented at the Senior Officials Meeting of the ACD, on 9 March 2016, by Syed Zulfiqar Gardezi Additional Secretary (Asia Pacific) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The ACD aims at consolidating Asia’s strength and fortifying its competitiveness by maximizing the diversity and rich resources of Asian countries. The core values of ACD have been informality, volunteerism and economic development orientation.
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