Bismillah-ir-Rehman-ir-Rahim
Excellency President Recep Tayyip Erdogan;
Honourable Heads of State and Government;
Mr. Secretary General;
Distinguished Delegates,
Excellencies,
Ladies & Gentlemen,
Assalam-O-Alaikum
I am delighted to be with you all in the beautiful and
historic city of Istanbul.
My delegation and I have been deeply touched by the warm
welcome and hospitality we have received ever since our arrival.
I must commend the Government of Turkey for the excellent
arrangements made for this Summit.
I would also like to convey our profound appreciation to
Secretary General Seyed Ali Mohammad Mousavi for efficiently steering the
agenda of the D-8 Organization For Economic Cooperation during his tenure in
office.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
While I am certain that the Organization will continue to
move steadily along the path of even more robust economic cooperation, it is
also our sincere desire to see the D-8 enter the project-implementation phase
with clear focus on the development, progress and prosperity of our peoples. We
also aspire for it to have a stronger voice at the international level.
Ladies & Gentlemen,
We appreciate the very apt theme for this Summit chosen by
the Republic of Turkey. Expanding Opportunities through Cooperation is in
complete harmony with the post-2017 development agenda, visualising sustainable
development as one of the core elements of people-centric development. Indeed,
shared and joint prosperity is the only form of secure and sustainable
prosperity. Inclusion based on collaboration ensures that there are no losers
in the development effort – all are winners.
Excellencies,
Pakistan assumed the Chair of D-8 Organization for Economic
Cooperation in November 2012 at the eighth Summit in Islamabad. The Islamabad
Summit adopted two landmark documents: the D-8 Charter and the Global Vision.
These documents have provided the essential basis for our joint endeavours.
As Chair, Pakistan made every effort to proactively lead the
Organization towards the realization of its objectives and vision. It was a
privilege for us to host the Summit Meeting, two sessions of the Council and
four sessions of the D-8 Commission and a number of Sectoral meetings since
November 2012.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Another significant milestone achieved during this period
was the Observer Status for D-8 at the United Nations. This Status enables the
Organization to closely interact with various UN agencies and affiliated
institutions for cooperative arrangements in priority areas for us. The status
has also given the D-8 an enhanced profile and standing at the international level.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
As we gather here to renew our collective pledge to
strengthen mutually beneficial cooperation, we must also take stock of the
progress made so far on trade and economic partnership goals we set for
ourselves. This Summit is a good opportunity for us to identify and remove the
impediments in the way of achieving the Organization’s objectives.
Twenty years ago, a shared vision motivated the leaders of
our countries to establish this Organization to promote cooperation in the key
areas of agriculture, industry, SMEs, trade, transportation, energy and
tourism.
However, the progress achieved so far falls short of our
expectations, necessitating measures to accelerate momentum for stronger
partnership.
Excellencies,
Intra D-8 trade, after an initial increase, has stagnated.
The apprehension is that the target of USD 500 billion in 2018, envisaged in
the 2008 Kuala Lumpur Summit Roadmap, might remain elusive.
It is, therefore, important for us to fully implement
various instruments and agreements aimed at facilitating trade amongst member
states, especially those related to Preferential Trade, Small and Medium
Enterprises, Customs, Simplification of Visa matters and Civil Aviation. This
would certainly pave the way for substantial increase intra D-8 trade.
Sectoral meetings at the ministerial level have already
chalked out the roadmaps. Now is the time to start implementation. There may be
challenges, but there are also opportunities like never before.
While it is imperative for the governments of member
countries to facilitate trade and investment by adopting the necessary legal
framework for investment protection and creating an enabling environment for
business in their respective countries, it is the private sector that can make
the best use of emerging opportunities for trade and joint ventures. It is,
therefore, of utmost importance that we also actively promote entrepreneurship
in our countries.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
This year, Pakistan is celebrating seventy years of its
Independence. Over the last decade, we were confronted with many challenges. We
faced unrelenting terrorism emanating from instability in our neighbourhood and
the environment in the region and beyond. As a result of a comprehensive
strategy and unwavering resolve, Pakistan has successfully turned the tide.
Improved security has led to economic recovery. Pakistan’s
economy has recorded a significant revival in the past four years. Over this
time, we have focused on upgrading our communications and energy
infrastructure, and enhancing regional connectivity.
The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor will further put our
economy on an upward trajectory of robust growth. We are also working on energy
connectivity projects. Pakistan’s integration into the Eurasian Belt and Road
network will provide a firm foundation for Pakistan’s rapid economic
development.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Connectivity-led growth is a good example of South-South
cooperation. We seek similar partnerships with D-8 member states – through road
and rail routes, where possible, but also through stronger air and sea
connections.
Excellencies,
The 20th Anniversary of the D-8 is an occasion for us to
renew our commitment to the accelerated realization of its vision and objectives.
As a group, the D-8 has vast potential and resources. However, realising our
combined potential and optimising our collective resources requires cooperation
and collaboration amongst us at every level and every field. Only then will we
be able to attain the critical synergy that will bring shared, secure and
sustainable prosperity to our nations.
Excellency President Erdogan,
I now avail myself of the privilege and honour of handing
over to you the Chair of the D-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation.
Mr. President, I congratulate you on assuming the Chair of
the D-8 Summit. I am confident that your wisdom, sagacity, dynamism and firm
commitment will bring new vigour to the D-8 Organization for Economic
Cooperation.
Mr. Chairman,
On behalf of the people and government of Pakistan, I assure
you of our full support and cooperation in our collective efforts to achieve
tangible results. In Pakistan, you will always find a willing partner and
friend.
Thank you
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