Govt considers direct trade route to Tajikistan

KARACHI: The government is exploring the possibility of establishing a direct trade route to Tajikistan and gaining road access to other Central Asian countries. The proposed route would pass through China and Afghanistan.

During a meeting on the sidelines of the Global Transport Forum, Federal Minister for Communications, Board of Investment & Privatization Abdul Aleem Khan and Tajikistan’s Minister of Transport Azim Ibrahim discussed utilizing the Karakoram Highway, Khunjerab, Kashgar, Murghab, and Dushanbe routes for two-way trade.

Minister Khan highlighted the country’s readiness to convene the joint ministerial committee and joint working group with Tajikistan. He said that the recent launch of direct flights between the two nations is a positive outcome of his visit to Tajikistan in May. Khan reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to fostering bilateral trade with all Central Asian countries, promising further initiatives to strengthen economic ties.

The discussion also addressed challenges faced by trawlers and drivers travelling to Tajikistan. Khan praised the Global Transport Forum for its role in promoting communication and cooperation among Asian countries.

Minister Azim Ibrahim expressed goodwill towards Pakistan, commending the earlier joint ministerial committee meeting led by Khan in Tajikistan. He affirmed the commitment to enhancing cooperation and joint business initiatives. The two ministers also deliberated on the four-country Traffic and Transit Agreement, agreeing to advance their mutual agreements.

The meeting, characterized by a constructive atmosphere, included proposals for forming working groups to address various agreements, with senior officials from both countries in attendance.