More connectivity.

Byline: Ignacio Artaza

IMPROVING physical access and communication between different parts of the world has gained importance as the cornerstone of global and regional integration and economic growth in recent years. However, its foundations were laid decades ago in 1776, when Adam Smith penned down his thoughts in simple words: 'Good roads, canals, and navigable rivers, by diminishing the expense of carriage, put the remote parts of the country more nearly upon a level with those of the neighbourhood of the town. They are upon that, the greatest of all improvements.'

The quote highlights the benefits of connectivity; efficient and cost-effective mobility and trade, which leads to improved access to opportunities such as labour and food markets, etc, and facilities such as health, energy and education, amongst others. ConseAquently, it helps in reducing inequality within and between countries. Sustainable and planned connectivity, global or regional, is thus one of the major factors in growth and sustainability in developed states.

Enhanced regional connectivity and corridors can have a significant positive impact on Pakistan's economy, by linking different markets, goods, ideas, technology, energy and people. These will boost trade, tourism and attract investments, in turn generating more employment opportunities and national income. Considering the geostrategic location of Pakistan, this connectivity can enable it to become a significant trade and transit hub, translating into more sustainable and inclusive growth.

The Karakoram Highway, completed in 1974, was a major milestone in Pakistan's quest to improve regional connectivity. More recent efforts include the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) gas pipeline project. Both have potential to be the bedrock for future regional development, open new trade routes giving access to landlocked Asian countries and create new livelihood opportunities for the local population. Additionally, these interventions, if implemented appropriately, will have a direct impact on the achievement of the SDGs, including decent work and economic growth (SDG 8), affordable and clean energy for all (SDG 7), sustainable cities and communities (SDG 11), no poverty (SDG 1), zero hunger (SDG 2), and industry, innovation and infrastructure (SDG 9), to name a few.

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