TIANJIN (China), Sept 12: Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf asked the countries in the region on Wednesday to adopt an Asia-centred approach and promote intra-regional trade for the prosperity and development of their peoples.

Addressing a session of the World Economic Forum’s annual meeting, he said regional countries needed to create a macro-framework for direct investment and make corridors for multi-sector investment, particularly in energy.

He said Pakistan was committed to a secure and prosperous region, adding that being located at the hub of South, West and Central Asia, the country could act as an `anchor of peace and stability’ in the region.

Prime Minister Ashraf stressed the need for dialogue for resolving conflicts and disputes among the regional countries which otherwise would hamper the efforts aimed at attaining the economic objectives. “No country can be an island into itself. We are inter-dependent and should work together.”

Pakistan earnestly sought friendly relations with all regional countries, including India, Afghanistan, Iran, China and Central Asian states, said Mr Ashraf.

He said Pakistan was making sincere efforts to improve bilateral ties with India by pursuing dialogue on all issues, including Jammu and Kashmir.

In reply to a question, the prime minister dispelled the impression that Pakistan was drawing close to China in view of recent tensions with the United States in the wake of the Abbottabad raid.

He said Pakistan’s relationship with China was time-tested and deeply rooted in history. Pakistan-China friendship must not be perceived as a reaction to any situational change, he added.

He said Pakistan had always facilitated the international community in the war against terrorism and rendered enormous sacrifices.

However, he added, no compromise would be made on the country’s integrity and sovereignty.

When asked about the impact of domestic political tensions on the country’s economy, he said Pakistan was passing through a democratic transition and was effectively dealing with such challenges.—APP