Pakistan, Kazakhstan set to boost trade and regional connectivity

September 09, 2025 (MLN): Pakistan and Kazakhstan have agreed to elevate their relationship into a comprehensive economic partnership, focusing on deeper trade, industrial cooperation, and enhanced regional connectivity.

The understanding was reached during a meeting in Islamabad between Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan and Kazakhstan’s Minister of Trade & Integration Arman Shakkaliyev.

Both sides emphasized the need to unlock their true trade potential, noting that current bilateral trade remains far below expectations but could be raised to USD 1 billion in the near future.

Agriculture, leather, SMEs, and IT were identified as key sectors for collaboration, with Kazakhstan offering its strong export base in grain, beet, and sunflower oil, while Pakistan extended expertise in leather processing through technology transfer and joint ventures.

A milestone in this partnership will be the upcoming signing of the Pakistan–Kazakhstan Transit Trade Agreement, aimed at boosting regional connectivity and facilitating trade flows between Central Asia and South Asia.

The ministers also agreed to strengthen business-to-business engagement through forums, exhibitions, and trade missions, building on recent initiatives such as the Pak–Kazakhstan Business Forum and the Globe Pakistan Summit.

Reviewing progress under the 13th Session of the Pakistan–Kazakhstan Intergovernmental Commission, the two sides reaffirmed their shared commitment to expand cooperation in agriculture, industry, logistics, and digital trade.

Minister Jam Kamal Khan stressed Pakistan’s readiness to facilitate Central Asian trade through its ports and transport networks, emphasizing that collective action and connectivity are vital for regional prosperity.

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