Maps
Magazine

TRADE & ECONOMY

Pakistan, Tajikistan Strengthen Ties with MoUs in Trade and Energy
Pakistan and Tajikistan reaffirm commitment to enhance trade, energy, and regional ties at the 7th Joint Commission meeting. New MoUs signed for development and sports collaboration.
ND
by News Desk
2024-12-11
Pakistan, Tajikistan Strengthen Ties with MoUs in Trade and Energy

Pakistan and Tajikistan reiterated their commitment on Wednesday to enhancing bilateral relations, particularly in trade, energy, agriculture, education, and industry. The announcement was made during the seventh Pakistan-Tajikistan Joint Commission meeting, held in Islamabad and co-chaired by Pakistan’s Power Minister Awais Leghari and Tajikistan’s Minister for Energy and Water Resources Jum’a Daler Shofaqir.

The longstanding ties between the two nations have seen steady growth since Pakistan became one of the first countries to recognize Tajikistan’s independence in 1991 and establish diplomatic relations in 1992.

Key Agreements Signed

At the meeting, the two sides signed two pivotal Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) to enhance collaboration:

  1. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa-Khatlon Province Partnership: This MoU focuses on fostering regional development and cooperation between Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Tajikistan’s Khatlon province.
  2. Football Federations Collaboration: A protocol to strengthen ties between the football federations of both countries, aiming to elevate the sports landscape in Pakistan and Tajikistan.

Strategic Cooperation

Power Minister Awais Leghari emphasized the historical friendship between the nations and underscored the potential for increased cooperation. He highlighted Pakistan’s strategic location as a gateway for Tajik investments and regional trade, supported by initiatives under the Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) Programme.

Leghari also stressed the importance of completing the CASA-1000 energy project, which aims to export surplus electricity from Central Asia to South Asia, benefiting both countries significantly.

The minister proposed the establishment of a Joint Coordination Committee on Transit Trade under the Tajikistan-Pakistan Transit Trade Agreement to address barriers and enhance economic activity.

Expanding Trade Opportunities

Economic Affairs Secretary Kazim Niaz highlighted the bilateral trade volume of $23.46 million in 2022-2023 and underscored the importance of exploring untapped opportunities. He announced a Pak-Tajik business-to-business forum scheduled for December 13, aiming to bring the private sectors of both nations together for enhanced trade collaboration.

Tajikistan’s Perspective

Tajik Energy Minister Jum’a Daler Shofaqir lauded the growing ties and reaffirmed Tajikistan’s commitment to bolstering bilateral relations. He stressed the potential for collaboration in various sectors, including energy, trade, agriculture, and education, and expressed optimism about the partnership’s future.

High-Level Discussions

In a one-on-one meeting, Leghari and Shofaqir discussed strategies for amplifying economic cooperation and resolving trade issues. Both leaders reiterated their commitment to strengthening ties and unlocking new opportunities for mutual growth and prosperity.

Looking Ahead

This meeting builds on the momentum generated by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s visit to Tajikistan in July, during which several agreements were signed. As both nations prepare for upcoming engagements, including the CASA-1000 project and the Pak-Tajik business forum, their partnership promises to bring regional stability and economic growth.
Tagged:

RegionalCooperation

BilateralTies

PakistanTajikistan

CASA1000
Share News: