Pakistan and Kazakhstan pledged a comprehensive economic partnership on Tuesday, aiming to transform cultural and historic ties into strong trade and investment cooperation. The two countries agreed to focus on agriculture, leather, industry, and regional connectivity while targeting USD 1 billion in bilateral trade.
$1 Billion Trade Target
Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan met Kazakhstan’s Minister of Trade and Integration Arman Shakkaliyev in Islamabad. Both leaders acknowledged that trade remains below potential. They agreed to unlock opportunities by boosting exports, diversifying industries, and removing trade barriers.
Agriculture and Leather as Priority Sectors
Kazakhstan highlighted its exports of grain, beet, and sunflower oil. These products could help Pakistan overcome crop losses caused by recent floods. Pakistan offered expertise in leather processing, including technology transfer and training. The two sides decided to link the Kazakhstan Leather Association with the Pakistan Tannery Association to formalise cooperation.
Progress on Business Forums
The ministers reviewed outcomes of the 13th Pakistan–Kazakhstan Intergovernmental Commission and the Pak–Kazakhstan Business Forum. The forum earlier brought together more than 250 Pakistani and 80 Kazakh companies. Both sides agreed to expand business-to-business ties through joint exhibitions, trade missions, and sectoral matchmaking in IT, SMEs, and e-commerce.
Transit Trade Agreement Underway
A major milestone will be the Pakistan–Kazakhstan Transit Trade Agreement. This pact will enhance regional connectivity by linking Central Asia with South Asia through road, rail, and seaports. Pakistani officials emphasised the role of Gwadar, Karachi, and Port Qasim under the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) in facilitating trade flows.
Strengthening Regional Cooperation
Minister Jam Kamal Khan reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to shared prosperity through connectivity and trade facilitation. Minister Arman Shakkaliyev expressed Kazakhstan’s readiness to expand cooperation across agriculture, digital trade, and industrial partnerships.
Both sides concluded that Pakistan, Kazakhstan’s pledge comprehensive economic partnership is not just a vision but a joint commitment to transform historic ties into an economic alliance that strengthens regional growth.
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