The interlinkages between energy transformation and the importance of critical raw materials on a global scale are becoming increasingly relevant. Critical raw materials are natural resources that hold strategic significance for an economy or industry and are vulnerable to supply disruption due to limited sourcing, geopolitical tensions, and environmental concerns. With the EU introducing legislation to safeguard its supplies and Pakistan aiming to expand its industry, securing access to these materials is a priority for both, although the mechanisms and underlying reasons vary.
In this Tabadlab Policy Roundtable (TPR) we covered forecasted shortages, the EU, US, and China's energy transitions, implications of the EU's 2023 legislation for trade partners like Pakistan, geopolitical challenges in accessing these materials, the legal, social, and environmental repercussions, as well as creating a conducive environment and supportive fiscal policies to promote CRM investments.
Panel:
Michal Čepelka - Research Fellow, Association for International Affairs (AIA)
Dr Robina Ather - Former Chairperson, National Tariff Commission
Mavra Bari - Journalist and Sociologist
Marium Khalid - Co-Chair, Lahore Hub, Women in Energy-Pakistan
Zeeshan Salahuddin - Director of Tabadlab’s Centre for Regional and Global Connectivity