Pakistan and GCC ties hold a future worth looking forward to
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We live in a fast evolving world. Realpolitik and geo-economics are realities replacing the ideological considerations of yester years. Conventional wars are being replaced by the hybrid version. But neighborhood and geographic proximity are permanent features that can always yield dividends for both sides. Old ties of friendship create mutual trust for taking these ties to new heights. This mutual trust has been the bedrock of Pakistan’s relationship with the Gulf nations.
Pakistan attaches special importance to the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). Its relations with all GCC member states are excellent. The reasons behind these close ties are not hard to fathom. From geographic proximity to shared religious and cultural heritage, there is so much in common between the two. The Sultanate of Oman, an important GCC member state is Pakistan’s fifth neighbor as our borders meet in the Arabian Sea. The Gulf nations have traded with our Makran and Sindh coasts for centuries. The spiritual commonalities evolved more than a thousand years ago when Islam arrived in Sindh. In the current scenario, Pakistan is actively involved in the security of commercial lanes in the Arabian Gulf and the Arabian Sea and developmental activities in all six member states.
Pakistan’s ambassador in Riyadh, Raja Ali Ejaz, recently met Dr. Naef Al Hajraf, Secretary General of the GCC and extended to him an invitation to visit Pakistan. The Secretary General has accepted the invitation. There are vast possibilities in the area of trade and investment which need to be explored. Pakistan hopes to give a push to the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations which started in 2004, during the Secretary General’s visit.
“Several matters of mutual interest were discussed, including convening of joint ministerial meeting and resumption of free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations,” the ambassador said.
For Pakistan, dealing with the GCC secretariat means talking to six brotherly countries in one go. Pakistan’s trade volume with the GCC countries has a vast potential for expansion. It can export more textiles, rice, fruits and vegetables, meat, leather and surgical goods to these countries. One big advantage here is that due to geographical proximity, transportation costs are reasonable. On the other hand, GCC countries can fruitfully invest in oil refining, agriculture, livestock and tourism sectors in Pakistan. A large number of Pakistanis have lived and worked in GCC counties and are familiar with the trade and investment environment there.
The Secretary General’s visit will be a good opportunity not only to restart FTA negotiations but also to highlight new vistas of Gulf investments in the special economic zones being established in the context of the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
Javed Hafeez
Riyadh based GCC is an economic and political organization at the same time. It has set for itself ambitious goals like customs union, common currency and a unified military command. Unity among member states is essential to maintaining a balance of power and peace in the Gulf region. This not only benefits regional countries but the world at large as well, since these countries export vital energy resources required for the global economy. Peace and security are also essential prerequisites for economic development and co-operation.
Although created in the wake of the Iran-Iraq war, this regional organization remains relevant today. The GCC Arab countries can achieve a lot through free movement of goods, capital and citizens. Similarly, military co-operation through joint training and exercises sends a deterrent message to those who may have any negative designs. It is in the area of regional peace and security that Pakistani and GCC views coincide. For many years, Pakistan has been an active member of the international naval task force based in Bahrain. The bulk of Pakistan’s own oil comes from this area. and so it has a vested interest in keeping territorial waters secure and calm.
Pakistan must now think of innovative ways to refresh its vital relationship with GCC states. It should train its labour for Saudi Vision 2030, Kuwaiti Vision 2035 and Omani Vision 2040, and create sustainable economic linkages.
The Secretary General’s visit will be a good opportunity not only to restart FTA negotiations but also to highlight new vistas of Gulf investments in the special economic zones being established in the context of the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). China is a major importer of Gulf energy resources and CPEC will also be a short and cost effective route to export multifarious Chinese goods to the Arabian Gulf. GCC investments in the agricultural and livestock sectors in Pakistan can help boost food security on both sides.
Pakistan’s positive role in the Gulf is not likely to diminish, as apprehended by some observers. However, it needs to be overhauled through innovative thinking. The Secretary General’s visit will afford an opportune time to infuse new life into this relationship, which holds a great deal of potential.
– Javed Hafeez is a former Pakistani diplomat with much experience of the Middle East. He writes weekly columns in Pakistani and Gulf newspapers and appears regularly on satellite TV channels as a defense and political analyst.
Twitter: @hafiz_javed
