Minister advocates regional corridors to strengthen trade ties with Central Asia

KARACHI: Pakistan is positioning itself as a key trade conduit for Central Asia, with Federal Minister for Privatization, Board of Investment, and Communications Abdul Aleem Khan highlighting the strategic importance of trade corridors and enhanced port access.

In a meeting with Kazakhstan’s Ambassador to Pakistan Yerzhan Kastafin, the minister underscored the necessity of robust infrastructure and bilateral trade mechanisms to capitalise on regional economic potential.

The minister proposed setting up centralised display centres for industrial goods, which would serve as a showcase for Pakistani products to attract foreign buyers. Such initiatives, he noted, could help raise the country’s trade profile in Central Asia, a region seeking new supply chains amidst shifting global trade alignments.

“Efficient road networks and modernised ports are critical for unlocking foreign investment and trade,” Khan remarked, reiterating the country’s ambition to emerge as a regional trade hub. He described foreign investment as a cornerstone of Pakistan’s economic recovery strategy, calling for infrastructure development as a top priority.

The minister also highlighted the historical, cultural and religious ties shared by Pakistan and Kazakhstan, suggesting that these commonalities could serve as a foundation for deepened economic and diplomatic relations.

Kastafin reciprocated the sentiment, noting that stronger trade and economic relations with Pakistan align with Kazakhstan’s broader strategic interests. He stressed the mutual benefits of enhanced connectivity, particularly through trade corridors, and expressed optimism about future cooperation.

Describing his tenure in Pakistan as “pleasant”, Kastafin hailed the meeting as a positive step towards advancing bilateral trade. He acknowledged the pivotal role of infrastructure projects in fostering greater economic integration between the two countries.