Pakistan Endeavors to Enhance Trade Connections with Tajikistan

Islamabad: Abdul Aleem Khan, the Federal Minister of Communications, Investment Board, and Privatisation, is currently in Tajikistan, where he met with Prime Minister Kokhir Rasulzoda in Dushanbe. Their discussions revolved around bolstering bilateral relations and addressing mutual concerns.

Prime Minister Rasulzoda warmly welcomed Minister Khan, reaffirming Tajikistan’s dedication to strengthening ties with Pakistan. He stated, “Tajikistan remains open to collaboration with Pakistan,” as per an official press release issued on Wednesday.

Minister Khan expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Rasulzoda, emphasizing the longstanding historical, religious, and cultural bonds between the two nations. He highlighted the potential for further enhancing these ties through increased trade engagements.

Earlier, during an international conference in Dushanbe, Minister Khan emphasized Pakistan’s eagerness to participate in various economic and business ventures in the region. He outlined Pakistan’s efforts to modernize trade routes to meet global standards and enhance connectivity with neighboring countries.

Khan disclosed Pakistan’s focus on digitizing the historic Silk Route Corridor, particularly for Central Asian nations, which involves employing satellite technology to monitor road construction. He stated, “International trade is crucial for development today. We are committed to developing high-quality roads and making ports like Karachi, Port Qasim, and Gwadar accessible for Central Asian nations.”

He assured full support from Pakistan to Central Asian states and expressed optimism that the international conference would open up new avenues for development and prosperity among participating countries.

Apart from meeting Prime Minister Rasulzoda, Minister Khan also engaged in separate discussions with ministers from Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan to enhance business and government cooperation between Pakistan and Central Asian nations.

According to the Associated Press of Pakistan (APP), they also explored the possibility of establishing trade corridors through China, Afghanistan, and alternative routes.

Additionally, Minister Khan met with Tajikistan’s Minister of Material Resources, Ahmedzada Noor Mahmad, to discuss the export of various Pakistani food items, including sugar, potatoes, textiles, and livestock. Minister Khan praised the conference's achievements, describing it as highly productive. Gifts were exchanged as a gesture of goodwill, further solidifying the spirit of cooperation between the two countries.