Pakistan, Kazakhstan reaffirm $1bn trade target, wider connectivity push

August 21, 2026 (MLN): Pakistan and Kazakhstan have reaffirmed their commitment to achieving US$1bn in bilateral trade within two years, with both sides stressing the need to translate political goodwill from the recent elevation of ties to a Strategic Partnership into concrete economic outcomes.

The commitment was reiterated as President Asif Ali Zardari received outgoing Kazakh Ambassador Yerzhan Kistafin for a farewell call at Aiwan-e-Sadr, appreciating the envoy's contribution to strengthening bilateral relations during his five-year tenure, according to a press release issued.

The President noted that ties had witnessed significant progress during this period, culminating in the historic State Visit of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to Pakistan in February 2026  the first by a Kazakh president in 23 years which elevated relations to a Strategic Partnership.

Asif Ali Zardari stressed the need for effective implementation of the agreements and MoUs signed during the visit, highlighting opportunities in agriculture, energy, mining and minerals, IT, pharmaceuticals, textiles and defence production, besides stressing the importance of stronger road, rail, air and maritime connectivity between the two countries.

The President appreciated President Tokayev and the Government of Kazakhstan for the US$1m grant extended to the Pakistan Education Endowment Fund and welcomed the opening of the first Kazakhstan-Pakistan Artificial Intelligence Centre in Gujranwala.

The Ambassador informed the President that Kazakhstan was working to establish railway connectivity with Pakistan, adding that six sectoral working groups covering trade, transport, energy, agriculture, IT and education were already operational.

He said Kazakhstan had established campuses of several leading international universities, offering students from countries including Pakistan the opportunity to study at reputed institutions at considerably lower cost, with around 1,000 Pakistani students currently enrolled in Kazakh universities.

The Ambassador further noted that Kazakhstan could serve as a potential market for Pakistani fruits, particularly mangoes, guava, falsa and other tropical produce.

The President appreciated the Ambassador's active engagement with the government, business community and academic institutions, conveying his warm regards and best wishes to President Tokayev, and wished Ambassador Kistafin success in his future endeavours.

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