ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan has urged the member countries of the Developing Eight (D8) to evolve a strategy to deal with the economic and health crises brought on by the coronavirus pandemic.
While virtually addressing the 10th D8 summit in Dhaka, the Prime Minister said, “We must mobilise resources to recover robustly from the economic and health crises induced by the pandemic.”
The theme of the summit, hosted by Bangladesh, was “Partnership for a Transformative World: Harnessing Power of Youth and Technology”. PM Imran said the D8 was formed to improve member states’ position in the global economy, diversify and create new opportunities in trade relations.
“Today, the D8 was a grouping of over one billion people with a combined GDP of $4 trillion and we possess two essential prerequisites for growth: resources and enterprising people,” he added.
The premier further said Pakistan was pursuing multiple initiatives and programmes to harness potential of youth. “Harnessing technology, promoting innovation and investing in youth education, skills and training was an urgent imperative,” he added,
Pointing out the steps taken by PM Imran, he said, “Pakistan was pursuing initiatives and programmes such as Kamyab Naujawan, Hunarmand Pakistan, youth entrepreneurship scheme and digital Pakistan.”
He suggested that concrete actions should be taken to expand trade between the D8 countries from the current $100 billion to $500bn by 2030. “It should include measures like simplification of border procedures, enhancing institutional linkages and operationalising new initiatives,” he added.
PM Imran particularly emphasised forming linkages through educational institutions such as scholarships, skill development programmes, trainings, fellowships, joint research, and exchange programmes for the youth.
The premier also said the D8 members should pay special attention to cope with the demands of a rapidly transforming world. He said, “Projects should be launched that harness technology for supply-side improvements with special emphasis on efficiency and productivity.”
“Call for COVID-19 vaccines to be treated as a global public good to ensure equity, affordability, enhanced production, and timely supply to save lives,” he added.
“Partnerships between governments, international financial institutions, businesses and civil society are essential to leverage technology, innovation and skills to enable every young person to have all opportunities to realise their full potential,” he concluded.
