Online Desk: Building of trade houses, free special economic/investment/business zones, joint freight companies, direct aerial cooperation, processing units, marketing houses on reciprocal basis in mega cities, especially Karachi and Gwadar, and last but not the least formation of genuine corridor of knowledge among Pakistan and all the Central Asia countries’ experts and strategists would be a right step in right direction. Thus moving from historical perspectives of commonalities of culture, traditions and civilizations towards real economic integration, posturing, commerce, regional integration and trans-regional connectivity through the proposed GKKA is the need of the hour creating win-win situations for all the regional countries.
In summary, for the greater strategic utility of Gwadar seaport, CPEC Phase 2.0, and promoting trans-regional cooperation with the Chinese BRI, all countries should adopt a holistic, comprehensive model that includes the operationalization of the GGKA, construction of the Wahkhan Corridor and the early initiation of the proposed trilateral Rail project of Uzbekistan-Pakistan-Afghanistan. It is also recommended that all Central Asian countries align their national economic policies, plans, projects and preferences with the BRI and CPEC Phase 2.0 to achieve the desired goals of socio-economic prosperity and trans-regional connectivity.
It is proposed that early signing of FTAs should be promoted for further strengthening of bilateral relations in diverse sectors of economy, investments, trade & commerce, joint ventures, banking & finance, civil aviation, culture, tourism and education cooperation among all the members of the GKKA creating numerous befitting propositions for all.
Formation of joint production units in textiles, garments and fashion industry may be an innovative idea which may further increase economic potential of all the member countries of the GKKA. Automobile industry is another potential area of strategic cooperation and imposition of the US President Donald Trump’s high tariffs against China would be avoided through the diversification of exports and manufacturing in the GKKA member countries.
Formation of a joint company for agricultural machinery or joint venture would be a value addition for both the countries, and the batter trade of vegetables and spices would be a win-win proposition.Gwadar port links overland to the Chinese city Kashgar in western province Xinjiang that borders Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan. Chinese cargo transportation from Kashgar to Gwadar port has already started on a regular basis. Kashgar being located in the western province flanked by CARs is also connected to Khorgos Dry Port of Kazakhstan which justifies its immediate commencement.
Therefore, Central Asian countries can optimize GKKA carrying out trade with South Asia, Middle East, Africa and the Pacific region. It is the need of the hour that all countries of the GKKA should jointly work for its complete utilization and operationalization along with a joint security mechanism countering all internal and external threats. Most importantly, the policy-makers of Central Asia should also remove strong “Indian lobbies” in their countries giving a space for Pakistani companies and investors to start their business activities.
