ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Tajikistan have agreed to a comprehensive three-year roadmap aimed at increasing bilateral trade to $200 million, while expanding cooperation across key sectors including energy, agriculture, information technology, health, education, and tourism.
The agreement was reached during the 8th Session of the Joint Commission on Trade, Economic and Scientific-Technical Cooperation held in Dushanbe. The Pakistani delegation was led by Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari, while the Tajik side was headed by Jum’a Daler Shofaqir.
Both countries agreed to strengthen commercial ties through regular trade data exchanges, participation in trade exhibitions, business forums, and enhanced engagement between private-sector organizations. Plans were also discussed for trade delegations, business-to-business meetings, and virtual networking initiatives to expand economic linkages.
A major outcome of the meeting was the commitment to develop a structured plan to raise bilateral trade volume to $200 million over the next three years. The initiative will focus on improving tariff transparency and identifying priority sectors with strong growth potential.
Energy cooperation remained a central theme of the discussions. Both sides reviewed progress on the CASA-1000 project and emphasized the need for timely completion. Pakistan and Tajikistan also agreed to continue discussions on resolving operational and commercial matters related to the project.
In the energy sector, Tajikistan expressed interest in facilitating investment opportunities for Pakistan Petroleum Limited and Oil and Gas Development Company Limited in its upstream oil and gas industry. The two countries also agreed to collaborate on technical training programs for energy professionals.
The meeting further explored opportunities for joint ventures in pharmaceuticals, artificial leather, footwear manufacturing, chemical products, and other light industries. Pakistan also offered training programs in digital marketing, e-commerce, freelancing, and content creation to support Tajikistan’s growing IT sector.
Agricultural cooperation was expanded through agreements on information sharing, trade in seasonal produce, and testing of high-yield crop varieties, including cotton, wheat, potatoes, and vegetables. Both sides pledged to finalize an agriculture cooperation roadmap for 2026–2028.
The two countries also agreed to strengthen collaboration in healthcare, higher education, scientific research, and tourism. Discussions highlighted opportunities to promote tourism across the Pamir-Karakoram-Hindu Kush region and strengthen cultural exchanges along the historic Silk Route.
The session concluded with both governments reaffirming their commitment to long-term strategic cooperation and deeper economic integration, signaling a stronger partnership between Pakistan and Tajikistan in the years ahead.
