ISLAMABAD, The International Institute for Regional and International Studies (IIRIS), in collaboration with the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Pakistan and Women University Mardan, hosted an international seminar aimed at strengthening regional connectivity between Pakistan and ASEAN through enhanced trade, tourism, investment, and academic cooperation.
The seminar, titled “Reviving the Silk Road to Connect ASEAN and Pakistan: Unlocking Trade, Tourism, and Investment Potential,” brought together diplomats, parliamentarians, academics, researchers, policy experts, and students to discuss opportunities for expanding Pakistan’s engagement with Southeast Asia.
Opening the event, Shafiqat Rasool, President of IIRIS, highlighted ASEAN’s growing global economic significance and stressed that Pakistan has substantial opportunities to deepen cooperation with Southeast Asian nations. He noted that the upcoming ASEAN Summit in the Philippines presents a timely opportunity to strengthen partnerships in trade, investment, education, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges.
Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Sadia Sulaiman, Associate Professor at Quaid-i-Azam University, emphasized that successful regional connectivity depends not only on economic policies but also on strong political commitment, visionary leadership, and sustained institutional cooperation. She underlined the important role of universities and policy research in promoting regional integration.
Maulana Nazim Ali Shah, Member of Pakistan’s National Assembly and Guest of Honour, discussed Pakistan’s expanding engagement with ASEAN countries and highlighted parliamentary diplomacy as an important tool for strengthening regional partnerships and sustainable economic cooperation.
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Representing Indonesia, Rahmat Hindiarta, Minister Counselor and Coordinator for Information, Social and Cultural Affairs at the Indonesian Embassy, reaffirmed Indonesia’s commitment to enhancing bilateral cooperation with Pakistan in trade, investment, tourism, education, cultural exchanges, and regional dialogue. He also expressed support for initiatives aimed at improving connectivity between Pakistan and ASEAN member states.
Chief Guest Prof. Dr. Razia Sultana, Vice Chancellor of Women University Mardan, emphasized the role of higher education institutions in fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, research collaboration, and international partnerships. She said universities are vital platforms for preparing future leaders capable of advancing regional cooperation.
The seminar was attended by senior members of the diplomatic community, including:
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- Admiral (Retd.) Ravindra Chandrasiri Wijegunaratne, High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to Pakistan.
- Munsoo Kurrimbaccus, Ambassador of Mauritius to Pakistan.
- R.A.L. Sewtohul, Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of Mauritius.
- Diplomats from the Embassy of Vietnam in Islamabad.
Participants highlighted the strategic importance of reviving the historic Silk Road as a means to strengthen regional connectivity, expand trade corridors, encourage sustainable tourism, promote investment, deepen cultural diplomacy, and increase educational cooperation between Pakistan and ASEAN countries.
Concluding the seminar, speakers agreed that reviving the Silk Road represents not only a historical vision but also a practical framework for enhancing regional economic integration and promoting lasting peace and prosperity across Asia.
IIRIS reaffirmed its commitment to advancing international dialogue, evidence-based policy research, and academic diplomacy through initiatives that promote sustainable regional cooperation.
Tags: Pakistan, Indonesia, ASEAN, IIRIS, Women University Mardan, Silk Road, Regional Connectivity, Trade, Tourism, Investment, Islamabad, Diplomacy, Education
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