Pakistan, Tajikistan discuss boosting trade ties

Source: The News International

ISLAMABAD: During his visit to Dushanbe, Tajikistan, Pakistan's Federal Minister for Communications, Investment Board, and Privatization, Abdul Aleem Khan, met with Prime Minister Kokhir Rasulzoda and discussed strengthening bilateral relations and key areas of cooperation.

Prime Minister Rasulzoda welcomed Minister Khan and reaffirmed Tajikistan's openness to expanding cooperation with Pakistan. Minister Khan expressed gratitude and highlighted the historical religious and cultural ties between the two nations. He emphasized the potential to solidify these bonds through increased trade activities.

Earlier, at an International Conference in Dushanbe, Minister Khan offered Pakistan's support for regional economic and business development. He stressed efforts to upgrade trade corridors to international standards and connect them to other countries.

Minister Khan outlined Pakistan's initiatives to digitize the "Silk Route Corridor" for Central Asian nations. He also called for using satellite technology to ensure "Right to Monitor" on constructed roads.

He underscored the importance of international trade for development and pledged to build standard and spacious roads for import and export. He highlighted the availability of Karachi, Port Qasim, and Gwadar Port to facilitate trade for Central Asian countries.

Minister Khan expressed Pakistan's commitment to supporting Central Asian nations, suggesting a conference to pave way for new avenues of development between countries.Separate meetings were held with Ministers from Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan, focusing on business-to-business and government-to-government activities.