DUSHANBE: Pakistan’s Ambassador to Tajikistan, Muhammad Saeed Sarwar, stated that a Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) between the two nations is a strong possibility, emphasizing trade liberalization’s role in fostering regional economic integration.
Bilateral trade could reach $300 million in the coming years, with the business communities of both countries playing a pivotal role in linking potential sectors, the Ambassador said during a joint interactive session with an eight-member Pakistani media delegation and local businessmen at the Embassy of Pakistan in Dushanbe.
He highlighted vast opportunities in the halal meat sector, noting Pakistan’s planned export of 143,000 tons worth $14.5 million to Tajikistan, which would expand trade in halal products.
On direct flights, Ambassador Sarwar stressed the importance of effective marketing and travel agents to ensure their regular operation.
He added that resuming these flights would boost economic and trade activities while promoting mutual tourism.
Tajikistan remains a key trade partner for Pakistan, essential to regional economic integration, he said.
Pakistan’s envoy said that Central Asian nations like Tajikistan are vital for Pakistan, with both ready to deepen future economic and trade connections.
The Ambassador pointed to Tajikistan’s robust 8 percent annual GDP growth as evidence of its fast-expanding economy.
High-level visits continue, including Pakistan’s Prime Minister, Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif in May this year.
Recently, Tajikistan’s Minister of Culture inaugurated the first-ever Tajik Cultural Week in Islamabad, signaling strengthening people-to-people and cultural ties, he said.
“Pakistan and Tajikistan share deep commonalities in faith, history, culture and literature,” he noted.
The Ambassador said that Pakistan was among the first to recognize Tajikistan’s independence and establish diplomatic relations.
He said that the two nations enjoyed strong historical, cultural, social, linguistic and religious bonds.
The Embassy of Pakistan remains committed to advancing academic and educational ties between the countries, the envoy concluded.
