Islamabad (Khyber Mail): The Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) has formalized a partnership with the Social Protection Resource Centre (SPRC) by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The MoU aims to enhance collaboration in research and policy dialogue, with a special focus on intra-regional trade, economic integration, and connectivity. The MoU was signed by Ambassador Sohail Mahmood, Director General ISSI, and Dr. Safdar Sohail, Executive Director SPRC.
Speaking on the occasion, Ambassador Sohail Mahmood emphasized ISSI’s commitment to fostering collaboration with think-tanks and research institutions like SPRC. He highlighted that such partnerships are mutually advantageous, enabling both sides to leverage their strengths and produce valuable inputs for relevant stakeholders. He proposed a joint study focused on regional trade frameworks, considering the importance of economic integration. Despite existing commitments, intra-regional trade remains low due to various factors, including political, economic, and technical challenges. He also stressed the need for focused attention on India-Pakistan trade matters, evaluating issues based on facts and data to bring clarity to public discourse.
Dr. Safdar Sohail welcomed the formalization of the ISSI-SPRC relationship and echoed Ambassador Mahmood’s recommendations. He proposed organizing a conference centered on the two sides’ areas of study and emphasized the significance of ECO and SAARC in fostering economic integration. Dr. Sohail suggested scrutinizing existing loopholes to formulate timely recommendations and advocated for presenting knowledge stored in old formats in new and innovative ways, considering technological advancements and modern communication methods.
Earlier in the event, Dr. Neelum Nigar, Director of the Centre for Strategic Perspectives at ISSI, provided an overview of ISSI and its five centers. The event concluded with a series of collaborative recommendations from both teams, reaffirming their commitment to facilitating informed policy-making and enhancing public awareness regarding intra-regional trade and economic collaboration frameworks.