ISLAMABAD: Faculty of Social Sciences of National University of Modern Languages inaugurated a two-day international conference titled ‘Economic Agenda in Pakistan’s Foreign Policy’ in collaboration with Higher Education Commission under National Research Program for Universities (NRPU). Prioritize The United States, China, and the European Union (EU).’
The conference brought together policymakers, academics and thought leaders to address the critical role of economic diplomacy in reshaping Pakistan’s foreign policy priorities. Executive Director of Sustainable Development Policy Institute Dr. Abid Qayyum Saliri attended the occasion as the Chief Guest.
Former Minister of State and Chairman of Pakistan Board of Investment Haroon Sharif delivered the keynote address. In the inaugural session, DG NUML, Brig delivered the welcome address. Shahzad Munir emphasized Pakistan’s transformative potential, saying, “Pakistan is at a pivotal moment in its history.
By setting clear priorities and implementing the right economic policies, we can unlock a brighter future. Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences and Jean Monnet Chair, Prof. Dr. Muhammad Riaz Shad outlined the objectives of the conference, highlighting the challenges and opportunities for Pakistan in the global economic landscape.
Haroon Sharif emphasized the importance of redefining economic diplomacy. He emphasized a pragmatic approach to trade and investment, saying, “Selling geolocation and cheap labor is no longer viable.
Pakistan should focus on adding value, creating competitive exports and leveraging its human capital. They identified key challenges and fault lines, including low productivity, no tendency to add value to products, lack of export competitiveness, and insufficient job creation.
He urged policymakers to take a proactive stance, bring concrete deals to the table, modernize infrastructure and make ports autonomous to promote regional connectivity. The Chief Guest, Dr. Abid Qayyum Saliri emphasized the need for preparation in economic diplomacy, especially to understand the nuances of world powers and their priorities.
He highlighted the upcoming challenges, such as the EU’s 2026 carbon tax policy, and emphasized the importance of aligning Pakistan’s supply chain with global environmental standards.
Dr Saliri also recommended engagement with the US on debt sustainability and a focus on the emerging dynamics of geo-economic diplomacy, particularly in light of potential shifts in global leadership.
He also remarked that Pakistan should also understand the red lines of the US, China and the European Union before setting the economic agenda in its foreign policy. The first session of the conference focused on ‘prioritizing the economic agenda in Pakistan-US relations’.
Experts discussed challenges, opportunities and policy lessons for strengthening economic ties. Dr. Saira Aqil from QAU, Dr. Noor Fatima from IIUI, Dr. Ahmad Ijaz Malik from QAU, and Dr. Usman W. Chauhan from Center for Aerospace and Security Studies were among the distinguished speakers.