LAHORE: Pakistan Furniture Council (PFC) Director General Mian Kashif Ashfaq said on Thursday that the visit of Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexei Overchuk will further strengthen trade ties between the two countries with a special focus on the energy sector and infrastructure and pave the way for closer economic cooperation. in the future. Commenting on the visit, he said that Overchuk’s visit comes at a crucial time when both countries are seeking to deepen economic cooperation in key areas, including energy, transport and logistics. He said that Russia, as one of the world’s largest energy producers, is keen to expand its energy exports, while Pakistan is trying to secure reliable sources of energy for its growing industrial needs. This cooperation could lead to the signing of new energy agreements and projects that could economically and strategically benefit both nations, he added. He said that improving connectivity, especially in terms of transport infrastructure and digital connectivity, is a critical area for better connectivity to enhance trade flows, reduce logistical bottlenecks and facilitate smoother movement of goods and services between the two countries. Potential initiatives could include joint projects in rail, road and maritime links, as well as cooperation in digital technologies, he concluded.
