SCO Membership To Pakistan Enhanced Regional Connectivity, Economic Prosperity: Saleem Mandviwala

ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 14th Nov, 2018 ) :Deputy Chairman Senate, Saleem Mandviwala on Wednesday said inclusion of Pakistan in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) has further enhanced its regional connectivity and economic prospects.

He said the strategic location of Pakistan would make it a regional hub of trade and commerce to Central Asia and SCO member states.

The Deputy Chairman Senate was speaking at reception hosted by former Senator Sehar Kamran to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Pakistan-Russia diplomatic relations and the 'Award of Cooperation' conferred by the Russian Ministry of Foreign affair on Senator Sehar Kamran for promoting the Pakistan-Russia relations, said in statement issued by Senate Secretariat here on Wednesday.

Deputy Chairman Senate observed that contemporary global and regional politics revolves around geo-economics and in this context, China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) a flagship project of Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is presenting revolutionary opportunities for regional countries to build strong economic, trade and commercial ties.

"CPEC ushered a new era of growth in Pakistan and made an attractive destination for foreign direct investment" Deputy Chairman Senate Saleem Mandviwala.

He greeted former parliamentarian for receiving a very well deserved state award "Award of Cooperation" for promoting friendly ties between Pakistan and Russia.

Earlier, in her welcome address, former Senator Sehar Kamran, member of Senate Forum for Policy Research (SFPR) and President Centre for Pakistan and Gulf Studies (CPGS) said Pakistan and the Russian Federation are connected by a deep historical and cultural affinity, geographical proximity, and a convergence of strategic and economic interests.

While addressing the reception, she said it is indeed an honour for her to receive this highly prestigious award from Russia's ministry of foreign affairs for strengthening understanding and bonds between two great countries.

The shifting strategic landscape of global and regional politics demand that both countries should enhance their bilateral and regional engagement for the stability of the wider region, she said.

Besides Saleem Mandviwalla, Deputy Chairman Senate, Muhammad Faisal Vawda, Federal Ministerfor Water Resources, senator Sherry Rehman, Kanwal Shozab MNA and other high rankingfunctionaries were also present during the reception.