(Staff Report):-
Addressing the Pakistan-Kazakhstan Inter-Governmental Joint Commission (IJC), Federal Minister for Economic Affairs, Sardar Ayaz Sadiq stressed that Pakistan attaches importance to a peaceful environment in the neighborhood and invited Kazakhstan to become part of CPEC and benefit from it.
He maintained that there was also a need to have connectivity through rail, road, and air besides cooperating in tapping the potential of natural resources and precious metals.
Ayaz Sadiq highlighted the importance of developing a plan of action for improving trade between Pakistan and Kazakhstan, which is far below its potential.
He said there was a lot of potential available that needs to be explored and highlighted that both countries should develop a plan of action to raise the trade volume through enhanced trade activities and the removal of trade barriers.
Sadiq emphasized that holding frequent joint business council meetings and facilitating businesses to introduce products into each-others’ markets could also play a vital role in promoting trade.
The minister expressed the hope that early finalization and signing of a transit trade agreement between the two sides would further enhance bilateral trade.
