CHOLPON-ATA: Pakistan and Kazakhstan agreed to accelerate trade, investment and transport cooperation as the two countries work towards increasing bilateral commerce to $1 billion.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar discussed the target with Kazakhstan’s Foreign Minister Yermek Kosherbayev during a meeting on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Council of Foreign Ministers gathering in Cholpon-Ata, Kyrgyzstan. The SCO ministerial meeting was scheduled for July 23 and 24.
The two ministers reviewed proposals for joint projects and stronger transport and logistics connectivity, which could help businesses move goods more efficiently between Pakistan and the landlocked Central Asian state.
According to a statement issued after the meeting, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to taking practical steps towards the $1 billion bilateral trade goal set by their countries’ leaders.
Trade and Connectivity Take Centre Stage
Discussions focused on expanding commercial ties, identifying investment opportunities and improving regional routes connecting Pakistan with Kazakhstan and other Central Asian markets.
Both sides said closer transport links would be important for implementing joint projects and increasing trade turnover.
Pakistan has sought greater economic engagement with Central Asia through road, rail and logistics corridors, while Kazakhstan is exploring additional routes to markets in South Asia.
The ministers also reaffirmed what they described as a high level of political dialogue between Islamabad and Astana and agreed to maintain regular diplomatic engagement.
Cooperation at Regional Forums
Dar and Kosherbayev exchanged views on regional and international developments and agreed to expand cooperation at multilateral organisations.
These include the United Nations, the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation and the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia.
Kazakhstan also thanked Pakistan for supporting President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s proposal to establish an International Water Organization.
The proposed body is intended to strengthen international cooperation on sustainable water-resource management, an issue of growing importance for countries facing water scarcity and climate-related pressures.
At the conclusion of the meeting, Pakistan and Kazakhstan agreed to follow up on existing understandings, advance joint initiatives and continue efforts to strengthen their strategic partnership.
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