Dushanbe: Pakistan and Tajikistan have agreed on a three-year roadmap to boost bilateral trade to 200 million dollars. This agreement was reached during the 8th Session of the Joint Commission on Trade, Economic and Scientific-Technical Cooperation held in Dushanbe. The session was co-chaired by Pakistan's Minister for Energy, Power Division, Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari, and Tajikistan's Minister of Energy and Water Resources, Jum'a Daler Shofaqir.
According to Radio Pakistan, both countries reaffirmed their commitment to deepening cooperation in various sectors, including trade, agriculture, energy, tourism, and connectivity. They agreed to organize trade delegations, B2B meetings, and online business interactions to enhance trade ties. Importantly, both nations welcomed the finalization of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Agency for Export under the Government of Tajikistan and the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan.
Discussions also included the potential for a Preferential Trade Agreement to further boost trade and commercial ties, with both sides agreeing to continue discussions for its early finalization. There was a mutual agreement to strengthen cooperation for government-to-government procurement through an MoU between the Agency for State Material Reserves of Tajikistan and the Trading Corporation of Pakistan.
The two sides also confirmed their participation in the upcoming CASA-1000 Joint Working Group meeting in Istanbul. Tajikistan expressed interest in collaborating with Pakistan on investment opportunities for Pakistan Petroleum Limited and Oil and Gas Development Company Limited in Tajikistan's exploration and production sector. Additionally, both countries agreed to finalize a roadmap to strengthen cooperation in agriculture, education, science, and technology.
During the visit, Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari met with the Prime Minister of Tajikistan, Kokhir Rasulzoda. He reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to the timely completion of the CASA-1000 project and emphasized efforts to operationalize direct flights between the two countries and improve visa facilitation. Both sides highlighted the importance of developing sustainable trade and connectivity routes.
In light of the strengthened bilateral relationship, it was suggested that the Joint Commission should convene more frequently to maintain momentum. Both countries are committed to sustaining this momentum through more frequent Joint Commission meetings and further deepening cooperation in various sectors.
