Transport linkages with neighboring countries to be developed: Habib
By Muhammad Ali Malik

ISLAMABAD—Federal Minister for Communications Barrister Habibur Rehman on Sunday said that the country embarked upon an ambitious plan to revamp its existing transport infrastructure network by developing the land and land-cum-transport linkages with all neighboring particularly landlocked countries.
The Minister said the induction of the country as permanent member of International Transport Corridor Europe-Caucasus-Asia (Traceca) will promote inter-regional cooperation trade and tourism in the years to come among the member states of the organization.
It is pertinent to mention here that country has been inducted as permanent member in 6th meeting of the Inter-Governmental Commission for development of the International Transport Corridor Europe-Caucasus-Asia (Traceca) in Astana Kazakhstan, attended by Secretary Communications Sajid Hussain Chattha, he said.
After country declared as the permanent member of Traceca , the Minister said, the country will meet the challenges of serving as a regional hub for international trade not only for landlocked Afghanistan and central Asian Republics but also provide land bridge between China, Middle East and Gulf countries.
Habibur Rehman said that the government is determined to translate President Pervez Musharraf’s vision to transform the country into a developed, industrialized and knowledge based economy by using its geo-political location.
Enhancing economic partners in region, country is currently establishing the North-South National Trade corridor and Energy corridor linking countries of the region with Gwadar sea port to develop highways, he added.
The Minister is optimistic that Pakistan having tremendous human and natural resources as well as technological capability, will emerge as the engine for growth for the entire world.
He is confident that with the new membership, he can foresee a global scenario where Asians equally share the benefits of globalization, progress and development.