By Zafar Hussain

ZHENGZHOU, Jul 24 (China Economic Net) - Speaking at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Media and Think Tank Summit in Zhengzhou, Dr. Hassan Daud, Senior Associate Professor at Bahria University and Senior Advisor at CEEC Pakistan Branch, urged regional stakeholders to strengthen cooperation and adopt innovative strategies to tackle South Asia’s development challenges.

Dr. Daud emphasized that despite Asia’s remarkable progress under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), South Asia remains one of the least integrated regions globally, with intraregional trade under 5 percent - sharply contrasting with the European Union’s 60 percent. “Political fragmentation continues to hinder trade, investment, and mobility in the region,” he noted.

Highlighting the critical role of strategic infrastructure in transport and maritime sectors, Dr. Daud called for mobilization of new financing mechanisms and innovative cooperation models. “Arguing against globalization is like arguing against gravity,” he said, quoting Kofi Annan. “In this age of vulnerability, we need platforms like BRI and SCO not just for connectivity, but also for collective resilience.”

He stressed the urgency to transform SCO from a framework of cooperation into an engine of transformation, promoting equitable access to education, finance, healthcare, and digital opportunity. “True development is inclusive, future-ready, and shared,” he added.

Dr. Daud praised China’s leadership during its SCO presidency, which saw over 100 events and the launch of the “Year of Sustainable Development,” promoting regional peace and mutual prosperity.

As the world faces economic and environmental uncertainty, Dr. Daud called for unity, vision, and pragmatic cooperation to safeguard peace and development across Eurasia.

It is noted that the SCO Media and Think Tank Summit is being held in Zhengzhou, Henan from July 23 to 27.