Pakistan, EAEU set up study for trade deal

April 7, 2026 (MLN): Pakistan and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) have agreed to establish a Joint Feasibility Study Group to evaluate the economic implications of a potential preferential trade agreement.

The decision follows a videoconference held on 6 April 2026 between Jam Kamal Khan, Federal Minister for Commerce of Pakistan, and Andrey Slepnev, Member of the Board Minister in charge of Trade of the EAEU, according to the press release.

The study will assess trade volumes, sectoral opportunities, and regulatory frameworks to determine the feasibility of introducing a preferential trade regime between Pakistan and EAEU Member States, which include Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Armenia, and Kyrgyzstan.

During the discussion, Slepnev highlighted the EAEU’s focus on strengthening relations with South Asian countries and identified Pakistan as a prospective partner in the region.

He noted that trade between Pakistan and the EAEU is developing dynamically and has significant potential for expansion.

Jam Kamal Khan emphasized that Pakistan views cooperation with the EAEU not only as a trade opportunity but also as a strategic partnership in logistics, energy cooperation, digital trade, industrial collaboration, and supply chain integration.

He expressed support for structured dialogue mechanisms aimed at exploring a formal trade agreement, subject to the outcome of the feasibility study, and reaffirmed Pakistan’s readiness to work closely with the EAEU and its Member States to unlock the full potential of trade and investment cooperation.

The sides acknowledged promising prospects for bilateral trade and economic cooperation and agreed to follow respective legal procedures to set up the feasibility study group.

A preferential trade regime could significantly benefit Pakistan’s exports, particularly textiles, rice, and agricultural products, while enhancing access to EAEU markets for energy, industrial machinery, and digital trade services.

A successful trade agreement could diversify Pakistan’s export markets, reduce dependency on traditional partners, strengthen regional supply chains, and promote industrial collaboration.

The timeline for completing the feasibility study and initiating formal negotiations has not been disclosed.

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