Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Wednesday that Pakistan can provide Central Asia with access to its ports to enhance regional trade. He made the statement while addressing the Pakistan-Kazakhstan Joint Business Forum in Islamabad.
The prime minister highlighted that the current trade volume between Pakistan and Kazakhstan stands at $250 million, which he said is below potential. “Today, we agreed to raise bilateral trade to $1 billion. Kazakhstan can export its products through the Gwadar and Karachi ports,” he added.
Kazakhstan President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev called his visit a major turning point in bilateral cooperation. Over 30 trade agreements worth $200 million were signed at the forum. Both leaders expressed hope that trade between the two countries could reach billions of dollars in the coming years.
During the forum, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Tokayev emphasized strengthening political, economic, defense, and people-to-people ties. A Pakistan-Kazakhstan Strategic Partnership was announced, marking a historic milestone in relations.
A working committee was also formed to prepare a five-year bilateral trade roadmap. Both sides agreed to increase cooperation in transport, transit, energy, education, culture, and tourism. The agreements aim to facilitate private-sector engagement and enhance regional connectivity.
The signing ceremony of 37 memoranda of understanding and agreements reflected the commitment of both countries to boost economic cooperation. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said that implementing these agreements would help Pakistan and Kazakhstan achieve their trade and economic goals.
Officials attending the forum included Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir and Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar. The forum is seen as a crucial step in deepening bilateral relations and creating opportunities for regional trade growth through joint efforts.
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Pakistan’s ports, especially Gwadar and Karachi, are expected to play a central role in increasing regional connectivity and facilitating smooth exports and imports. The initiative reinforces Pakistan’s commitment to becoming a trade hub for Central Asia.
