GREF – Strategic Importance for Pakistan

From the start of civilizations ,all geopolitical activities were based on economic interests of a nation or the rulers. With the passage of time definitions kept changing but the actual base remained the same.

Similarly, the definition of “Strategic Depth” has also changed in today’s world. Now the Strategic Depth is no more a physical land depth but it is economic depth and security. The concept discussed herein is based on this definition.

The requirement of formation of five countries strategic chamber of commerce and industries was first discussed at LCCI in a meeting of its Standing Committee for OIC in December 2010. This initiative was launched by the Convener of Standing Committee. The participants decided that due to the critical nature of the issue the President LCCI should be given a briefing suggesting him to take up the matter in the first round of meeting with the M/o Foreign Affairs (MOFA).

During the first round of meeting held at MOFA in February 2011 the desire was also voiced that LCCI must actively pursue this initiative to provide basis for political maneuvering for MOFA. Due to very sensitive nature of matter it had also been unanimously decided that the LCCI shall spearhead the initiative in close coordination and cooperation from MOFA, without the involvement of FPCCI.

The matter was formally put as agenda part for the 2nd round of LCCI-MOFA meeting in 2012. It had been agreed upon that in the light of rapidly changing geo-political scenario in the region, post 2014 situation in Afghanistan and resulting fall out, Pakistan definitely needs to have strategic economic alliances in the region for its security, sooner the better. This initiative once successful, will be a prelude to formation of a new economic block.

The LCCI proposal for formation of five countries strategic chamber having two seats for Pakistan (LCCI as founder Chamber and FPCCI as national chamber) was adopted for further working. The Additional Secretary (EC&UN) MOFA proposed that from MOFA side his Office shall nominate a Director General to coordinate and be a member of the team.

Whereas, Mr. Hasnain Reza Mirza, the Convener LCCI S/C for OIC, had been nominated by the President LCCI, to lead the team. It has also been agreed upon to keep the whole Project confidential and at profile in the beginning. It has been proposed to involve NUST, NDU and Institute of Strategic Studies also as members of the team.

Although, Pakistan is a nuclear power with second largest (after India) forces in the region but economically is among the weakest most countries. Pakistan has no economic depth in the region, its eighty percent of the total trade is only with twelve countries.

The circumstances and reasons which gave rise to the need to form such a chamber are based upon analysis of historical events, present international and regional geopolitical scenario and future desires and plans of US, UK, China, Russia Israel and India for the region and requirement of strategic economic depth for Pakistan.

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