Uniting Economies, Defining Futures

The 5th Annual Research Conference of the CAREC Institute convened in Islamabad under a theme that has never been more relevant:
“CAREC Connectivity: Promoting Trade and Trade Facilitation.”
Held in the heart of Pakistan’s capital, this two-day summit marked a major stride toward reengineering regional trade corridors and institutional cooperation across eleven member countries—Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, China, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Mongolia, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan.

Beyond ceremonial gatherings, this event functioned as an operational roadmap for realizing tangible economic impact through infrastructure innovation, digital integration, and cross-border coordination.

Key Strategic Themes of the Conference

✔ Consultancy and Training Services
✔ Transport and Logistics
✔ Supply Chain Analysis
✔ Corridor Development
✔ Export Promotion
✔ Trade Facilitation
✔ Seaports and Maritime
✔ Road Transport
✔ Rail Transport
✔ Airports and Airfreight
✔ Cold Chain Management

1. Port and Corridor Connectivity

Ports, logistics terminals, and border-crossing points were examined as vital trade arteries. Experts highlighted how strategic investments and streamlined customs infrastructure can exponentially increase regional throughput while lowering transaction costs.

2. The TIR System: Driving Regional Integration

The TIR (Transports Internationaux Routiers) system emerged as a centerpiece in transforming trade logistics across Asia. By reducing border checks, streamlining documentation, and guaranteeing customs duties, the TIR system has become a beacon of modern, secure, and efficient transport.

As Pakistan strengthens its implementation of TIR, its role as a land bridge between China, Central Asia, the Middle East, and South Asia becomes increasingly indispensable.

Aamir Malik: Leadership at the Frontier of Trade Facilitation

At the helm of Pakistan’s TIR operations is Aamir Malik, Senior Vice President (North Zone) of the International Road Transport Chamber of Pakistan (IRTCoP).

A certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) by ASCM-USA, Aamir Malik brings decades of operational experience, policy insight, and international standards implementation to Pakistan’s logistics landscape.

Contact:

• Email: vp@irtchamber.org.pk

• Phone: +92-300-6097707

• Website: www.irtchamber.org.pk

• Office: House # 82, Street 100, Sector G-13/1, Islamabad, Pakistan

His Vision and Strategic Contributions:

As a respected industry leader, Aamir Malik’s mission is clear:
To institutionalize Pakistan’s TIR framework as a global standard in secure, predictable, and transparent cross-border transport.

His leadership has helped IRTCoP to:

• Operationalize the TIR system nationwide through training and digital adoption

• Coordinate with FBR, Customs, IRU, PSW, and international logistics bodies

• Guide Pakistani transporters to integrate seamlessly into global supply chains

• Advocate for policy reforms to reduce non-tariff barriers and procedural delays

Under Malik’s guidance, IRTCoP is not just a advisory body—it is Pakistan’s strategic enabler of international trade.

The Strategic Role of IRTCoP in Pakistan’s Economic Future

International Road Transport (IRT) Chamber of Pakistan is an advisory chamber, formed to represent its members and to provide legal, commercial and other technical, professional advisory and consultancy services against remuneration, fee and charges to its clients who become its regular members, and against the annual membership fee.

Members will be transport operators for operation of logistics, either of goods or passenger, under international transport agreements or operation of ATA, TIR Carnets, Carnet De-Passage, cross border transport operators (T.O.) or international tourism operators.

IRTCoP’s scope includes:

By combining regulatory responsibility with proactive industry development, IRTCoP is accelerating Pakistan’s journey toward trade modernization and regional influence.

Digital Trade, Green Logistics, and Implementation Gaps

Further discussions at the CAREC 2025 Conference touched on:

• The integration of Pakistan Single Window (PSW) with CAREC trade corridors

• Climate-adaptive transport planning and green logistics innovations

• Gaps in implementation despite strong multilateral frameworks—highlighting the need for sustained execution

One truth echoed across all sessions:
Policy frameworks exist. The challenge is execution.
This is where organizations like IRTCoP—backed by professionals such as Aamir Malik—play a decisive role in turning vision into velocity.

Closing Reflections: From Capital to Corridor

Celebrated during CAREC’s 10th Anniversary, this conference marked a pivotal inflection point for Pakistan and the region. It wasn’t just about cooperation—it was about capability, convergence, and commitment to shared economic futures.

Pakistan’s proactive engagement, underpinned by the work of IRTCoP and the expertise of figures President Rana Asif Khan, SVP-Aamir Malik, and proud Members Mr. Shoaib Khakwani-NLC, Mr. Ramiz Ali Rabbani-Best Trans, signals a new era.
An era where Pakistan is not just a participant in trade. It is a facilitator, enabler, and architect of regional prosperity.