ISLAMABAD: Ambassador of Kazakhstan Yerzhan Kistafin on Friday called on the Caretaker Federal Minister for Commerce, Industries and Production Dr. Gohar Ejaz, here in Islamabad and discussed regional connectivity and boosting bilateral trade.
During the meeting, the Minister highlighted Pakistan’s exports to Kazakhstan, which currently stand at US $ 150 million.
Pakistan maintains a trade surplus with Kazakhstan
Pakistan maintains a trade surplus with Kazakhstan, showing the favorable trade conditions and opportunities for growth. Kazakhstan, the largest Central Asian economy, has a significant potential for economic cooperation.
Both countries are also considering a Transit Trade Agreement and want to sign the agreement at the earliest.
The Quadrilateral Traffic in Transit Agreement is crucial in facilitating trade between Pakistan and Kazakhstan, offering a shorter and more efficient transit route.
Pakistan is keen to boost collaboration with Kazakhstan in the pharmaceutical sector.
Ambassador Yerzhan Kistafin highlighted Turkmenistan’s tariffs, surpassing those offered by Uzbekistan, to further enhance trade between the two nations. Kazakhstan aims to develop textile cooperation with Pakistan.
The interest of establishing sister city relationships, such as Shymkent and Faisalabad, as well as Multan and Taras, shows Kazakhstan’s commitment to fostering city-to-city ties. The Ambassador expressed the need to conclude a Customs Agreement to streamline trade processes.
He also showed interest in developing trade routes to Africa via Gwadar and Karachi ports.
Furthermore, the Ambassador conveyed the willingness of Kazakhstan’s Minister of Trade to visit Pakistan.
Minister Gohar Ejaz in his views stressed collaboration in the fashion textiles and fashion design sectors to further enhance bilateral trade. The Ambassador reciprocated this with an offer from Kazakhstan’s Association of Craftsmanship, Singers, and Designers to visit Pakistan and display their work.
Both nations are committed to explore avenues of cooperation that will benefit their economies and contribute to regional prosperity.
