Pakistan calls for increased trade with Central Asia

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TASHKENT – Pakistan and Central Asia should improve trade relations as Pakistan provides the shortest and fastest trade route between the Central Asian republics and the rest of the world, Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari said June 11, news media reported.

Zardari, addressing the Shanghai Co-operation Organisation summit, said a comprehensive strategy to eliminate poverty in the region was necessary because poverty was the root cause of extremism. He added that enhanced trade and business activities in the region could improve people’s lives, Jang reported.

Zardari said his country would keep fighting extremism but that greater regional co-operation was needed against terrorism. He also offered full support to Afghanistan in combating extremism, news media reported.