Tajikistan set to take a bite of Pakistan’s meat exports

December 10, 2025 (MLN): Pakistan and Tajikistan are set to significantly boost their bilateral trade as Tajikistan has expressed its intention to import 100,000 tons of meat from Pakistan, a deal valued at more than $50 million.

Both countries have agreed to finalize a formal agreement soon, marking a major breakthrough in agricultural and food-security cooperation, said a press release issued.

The development emerged during a meeting in Islamabad between Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain and Ambassador of Tajikistan to Pakistan Yusuf Sharifzoda.

The Minister welcomed the Ambassador and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening agricultural ties and expanding regional food-security collaboration.

During the talks, the Ambassador highlighted Tajikistan’s strong interest in increasing agricultural imports from Pakistan, particularly meat products.

The Minister assured full facilitation for Tajikistan’s requirements and emphasized Pakistan’s readiness to supply high-quality agro-commodities, livestock products, and value-added food items to support regional food systems.

Ambassador Yusuf  also invited the Minister to attend Tajikistan’s Cultural Week beginning on 18 December, reflecting the close cultural and people-to-people ties between the two nations.

Minister Rana Tanveer appreciated the gesture and stressed the importance of enhancing cooperation across cultural, academic, and economic fronts.

Both sides noted the vast potential for collaboration in agricultural development, research, and trade.

Tajikistan, an agrarian economy specializing in cotton, wheat, and a wide range of fruits such as apricots, apples, cherries, and pomegranates, shares numerous avenues for partnership with Pakistan.

Opportunities in horticulture, crop improvement, pest management, and scientific research were identified as key areas for joint initiatives.

The meeting reviewed current trade patterns, acknowledging that Pakistan exports rice, citrus, and mangoes to Tajikistan, though volumes remain far below potential.

Pakistan produces 1.8 million tons of mangoes annually but exported only 0.7 metric tons to Tajikistan in 2024, while rice exports stood at just 240 metric tons in 2022 despite massive domestic production.

Pakistan’s primary import from Tajikistan is ginned cotton. Both sides agreed to address technical and logistical barriers to enhance trade volumes.

Looking ahead, Pakistan and Tajikistan committed to a forward-focused roadmap that includes expanding trade in fruits, vegetables, meat, and staple crops; strengthening research and development partnerships; improving compliance with global standards; establishing pest-free zones; and building capacity in phytosanitary and agricultural best practices.

They emphasized the importance of scientific exchange and innovation for sustainable agricultural progress.

The expected agreement on large-scale meat exports stands as a milestone in Pakistan–Tajikistan relations, emphasized a shared vision for stronger economic, cultural, and agricultural ties.

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