Responding to mounting global economic pressures including rising protectionism and supply chain disruptions, Pakistan’s Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan on Wednesday urged the D-8 bloc of developing nations to urgently operationalise its Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) to foster regional resilience and market stability.
Addressing the Fourth Meeting of the D-8 Trade Ministers Council, the minister underscored that strengthened regional cooperation is essential for the bloc to collectively navigate climate-related shocks and commodity market volatility.
In a significant move to bolster the organisation’s institutional framework, Mr. Khan signed the D-8 Protocol on Dispute Settlement Mechanism. This protocol, combined with the activation of the PTA, is anticipated to enhance commercial activity and facilitate smoother economic engagement among member states.
During the session, the Commerce Minister extended his gratitude to the Egyptian government for its hospitality and formally welcomed Azerbaijan as the ninth member of the D-8, expressing optimism about the new member”s potential to boost the organisation”s collective economic strength.
Mr. Khan described the effective implementation of the D-8 Preferential Trade Agreement as ‘essential for realising its full benefits,’ affirming Pakistan’s commitment to harmonising procedures and streamlining documentation to make the trade pact fully functional for all members.
He also called for the development of stronger institutional linkages in customs, standardisation, and logistics. The minister noted that efficient transport corridors and digital integration are critical to unlocking the region”s vast trade potential.
Highlighting the necessity of private-sector involvement, Mr. Khan encouraged deeper business-to-business cooperation, joint ventures, and technology sharing in complementary sectors, stressing the importance of a supportive environment with policy stability and financial facilitation.
The minister identified food security, textiles, agriculture, and energy as priority areas for collaboration, advocating for an economic model that aligns progress with environmental responsibility and social inclusion. He positioned the D-8 as a potential model for South-South cooperation through capacity-building and sharing best practices.
Recognising the growth of the digital economy, Mr. Khan prompted member nations to invest in digital infrastructure, promote digital literacy, and develop cross-border e-commerce platforms, confirming Pakistan’s readiness to collaborate on fintech and innovation-led initiatives.
Reaffirming Pakistan”s full commitment to the D-8 agenda, Mr. Khan concluded with a call for partnership. ‘Together,’ he said, ‘with the right policies and a strong spirit of partnership, we can transform the D-8 region into a dynamic centre of trade, development, and opportunity for all our peoples.’