Message

Irfan Wahid

Chief Executive Officer

GFS Builders and Developers

The 23rd meeting of the Council of Heads of Government (CHG) of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), being held on October 15-16, 2024, in Islamabad, is a momentous occasion not just for Pakistan but for the entire region. As the CEO of a leading firm in the building and construction sector, I view this summit as an extraordinary opportunity to highlight Pakistan’s growing influence in regional economic development, infrastructure growth, and connectivity. This event symbolises Pakistan’s proactive approach to reshaping the regional landscape by positioning itself as a key player in the SCO’s shared vision for a more integrated and prosperous future.

The SCO, with its focus on promoting economic cooperation, security, and connectivity among its member states, holds immense importance. This year’s summit, in particular, comes at a critical juncture as global economies continue to recover from the far-reaching impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and navigate complex geopolitical shifts. In this context, regional organizations like the SCO are becoming more central to promoting multilateral collaboration, not only in trade and infrastructure but also in technological innovation and sustainable development. Pakistan’s chairmanship of the SCO Council of Heads of Government provides a remarkable platform to deepen partnerships with Central Asian and South Asian nations, enhancing connectivity through modern infrastructure, trade routes, and people-to-people ties.

One of the fundamental pillars of the SCO is connectivity, both physical and digital. Pakistan’s strategic initiatives, most notably the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), have already established the country as a regional infrastructure hub. CPEC, which serves as a vital component of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), is not only reshaping regional trade patterns but also unlocking vast economic potential. The corridor links China with the Middle East, Africa, and Europe via Pakistan, positioning our nation as a key bridge between these economic powerhouses. This summit will offer Pakistan the opportunity to showcase its achievements in infrastructure development, transportation, and construction and to emphasise its critical role in furthering connectivity across the SCO region.

For the building and construction sector, the significance of this summit cannot be overstated. The SCO’s focus on enhancing economic cooperation, trade, and investment presents vast opportunities for growth. Pakistan, with its robust infrastructure projects already underway, is positioned to become a key player in driving regional connectivity. The demand for large-scale infrastructure, ranging from transport networks and energy pipelines to urban development and digital infrastructure, will not only foster economic growth but also catalyse job creation and industrial development. As a CEO in the construction industry, I see the vast potential this summit offers in unlocking new partnerships, investments, and long-term growth.

Moreover, the SCO has long played a critical role in promoting regional security, counter-terrorism, and stability, with a focus on combating the "three evils" of terrorism, separatism, and extremism. Stability is essential for sustainable economic growth, and Pakistan’s contributions to these efforts reaffirm our commitment to ensuring a peaceful, secure, and prosperous region. This alignment of security and economic cooperation is critical for fostering an environment conducive to foreign investment and long-term development.

The 2024 SCO Summit also presents a unique diplomatic opportunity with the arrival of Chinese Premier Li Qiang, who is leading a high-level delegation. His visit is particularly noteworthy, as it marks the first visit by a Chinese premier to Pakistan in 11 years. This milestone underscores the deep-rooted strategic ties between Pakistan and China, which are reinforced through initiatives like CPEC. During Premier Li’s visit, several key agreements are expected to be signed, including the provision of a $2 billion loan for the construction of the Karakoram Highway, a vital infrastructure project that connects Pakistan with China and plays a critical role in facilitating trade across the region. Furthermore, the summit will witness the soft launch of Gwadar International Airport, a project that is central to CPEC’s ambitions of transforming Gwadar into a major international trade hub.

Beyond infrastructure, the SCO summit is expected to highlight new avenues of collaboration in environmental sustainability, cultural exchanges, and technological innovation. As the world transitions toward a more digitalized economy, the SCO’s focus on enhancing digital infrastructure and connectivity is increasingly relevant to industries like construction. From the development of smart cities to the adoption of sustainable building practices, technology is revolutionising how we approach infrastructure development. Pakistan’s growing digital infrastructure, supported by regional partnerships through the SCO, will enable more efficient project execution, improve resource management, and ensure long-term sustainability.

As we look to the future, Pakistan is uniquely positioned to capitalize on the outcomes of the CHG-SCO Summit. The focus on infrastructure development, urbanisation, and industrial growth aligns perfectly with the ambitions of Pakistan’s construction sector. With the growing demand for modern infrastructure, our nation’s expertise in construction can play a vital role in shaping the future of the SCO region, from transport infrastructure to residential and commercial developments.

The summit also provides an excellent opportunity for Pakistan to strengthen its diplomatic standing on the global stage. By enhancing economic cooperation, trade ties, and environmental initiatives, we are fostering a future of growth and prosperity for all SCO member states. As a nation, we are optimistic that this summit will catalyse new investments and collaborations, further solidifying Pakistan’s role as a key driver of regional integration and economic development.

In conclusion, the 2024 SCO Summit is a watershed moment for Pakistan. It allows us to contribute to regional peace and security while presenting immense economic opportunities, particularly in construction and infrastructure. As the CEO of a firm in this field, I am confident that the positive outcomes of this summit will help Pakistan strengthen its economic ties, improve regional connectivity, and build a more prosperous future for both our nation and the wider SCO community. Let us embrace these opportunities and continue contributing to the growth and development of our region, laying the foundations for a more interconnected and prosperous tomorrow.

The 2024 SCO Summit presents a unique diplomatic opportunity with the arrival of Chinese Premier Li Qiang, who is leading a high-level delegation. His visit is particularly noteworthy, as it marks the first visit by a Chinese premier to Pakistan in 11 years.