ISLAMABAD, Feb 4: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has extended an offer to Central Asian states to utilize Pakistan’s deep-sea ports in Gwadar and Karachi as crucial trade outlets, which he believes could transform the region’s economic landscape.
Prime Minister Sharif emphasized plans to enhance rail and road connectivity through Turkmenistan and Afghanistan, reaffirming his commitment to a significant connectivity project. He described this initiative as a game-changer that promises to advance economic integration between Pakistan, Kazakhstan, and the broader Central Asian region.
“Pakistan is fully committed to participating and contributing effectively to this project, which will be transformative not only for our two countries but will also impact the entire region economically,” stated PM Shehbaz Sharif at the Pakistan–Kazakhstan Business Forum.
He mentioned that Pakistan’s state-run logistics companies are equipped to facilitate the movement of goods from Central Asia to Pakistani ports and subsequently to international markets.
Pakistan and Kazakhstan have agreed to bolster bilateral trade, investment, and connectivity, targeting a $1 billion trade volume over the next two years.
The prime minister highlighted their extensive discussions on enhancing cooperation in key sectors such as agriculture, information technology, minerals, pharmaceuticals, engineering, manufacturing, and connectivity.
He described the Kazakhstan–Turkmenistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan corridor as a potentially transformative development for the entire region.
Despite robust political and fraternal ties, current bilateral trade is about $250 million, which does not reflect the full potential. Both nations are determined to transform these friendly relations into strong commercial partnerships.
A joint working group will be formed to develop a five-year roadmap to expand trade, commerce, and investment. Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal will lead the Pakistani delegation, while Kazakhstan’s Deputy Prime Minister will head its side. The roadmap is expected to be finalized during PM Shehbaz’s visit to Kazakhstan later this year.
Highlighting the signing of 37 memoranda of understanding, PM Shehbaz Sharif stated that agreements on developing the Kazakhstan–Turkmenistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan rail and road network and enhanced port cooperation will maximize regional transit potential.
He welcomed Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s visit to Pakistan, the first by a Kazakh president in 23 years, indicating a commitment to deepening bilateral relations.
President Tokayev noted his state visit marks a significant moment in Pakistan-Kazakhstan relations, elevating ties to a strategic partnership. Over 30 commercial agreements worth approximately $200 million resulted from the business forum.
He mentioned that trade turnover nearly doubled last year, with over 200 Pakistani companies operating in Kazakhstan in sectors such as construction, agriculture, and food processing. He expressed confidence that bilateral trade could reach $1 billion in the coming years.
President Tokayev identified four priority areas for cooperation: transport and logistics, agriculture and food security, digitalization, and education, and welcomed Pakistan’s role in regional transit corridors.
He officially invited PM Shehbaz Sharif for a state visit to Kazakhstan later this year.
Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan emphasized the importance of trade relations with Kazakhstan, Pakistan’s largest export destination in Central Asia.
He noted that Pakistan’s exports to Kazakhstan, which include rice, fruits, vegetables, oilseeds, meat, and textile products, rose by 47 percent last year, with bilateral trade doubling over the past three years.
The transit trade agreement marks a significant milestone in strengthening economic and regional connectivity between the two countries.
