ISLAMABAD, Nov 5 (Alliance News): Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives, Professor Ahsan Iqbal, held a meeting with Ambassador Munir Akram, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, to review Pakistan’s development priorities, COP29 preparations, and strategies for economic growth.
This discussion aligns with Pakistan’s commitment to advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and addressing pressing environmental challenges.
During the meeting, Ahsan Iqbal stated that Pakistan is fully aligned with the UN’s agenda and will actively participate in the upcoming COP29 conference in Baku.
“Pakistan will prioritize regional cooperation to strengthen our environmental stance,” he emphasized, noting that a Pakistan-led Round Table on Environment will take place at the event, with a focus on global collaboration.
Highlighting Pakistan’s proactive approach towards SDGs, the minister shared that Pakistan was the first country to adopt the SDGs in Parliament.
The Ministry of Planning has since established a dedicated SDG Unit, now functioning as a regular department, with 17 task forces monitoring national and provincial projects for SDG alignment.
In discussing economic development, Ahsan Iqbal addressed the need for Pakistani companies to expand their export capacities.
“Every enterprise in Pakistan should aim to set an export target above $10,000,” he stated, urging businesses to leverage their potential in the global market.
He expressed satisfaction with recent investment trends under the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), which provides an enabling environment for large investments and new business opportunities.
