December 11, 2024 (MLN): Pakistan and Tajikistan have signed two landmark Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) during the 7th Pakistan-Tajikistan Joint Commission (JC) meeting, held today in Islamabad.
The agreements aim to foster closer ties between the two nations in key sectors such as trade, energy, and sports.
The first MoU forges a historic partnership between the province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Tajikistan's Khatlon province, paving the way for enhanced cooperation and mutual development.
The second MoU seals a thrilling collaboration between the Pakistan and Tajikistan Football Federations, poised to elevate the sports landscape in both nations.
On 13th December 2024, a business-to-business (B2B) forum has been arranged for the businessmen of both countries in order to strengthen the B2B ties.
The meeting of JC started with remarks from Dr. Kazim Niaz, Secretary, Ministry of Economic Affairs. Dr. Niaz emphasized the strong historical, cultural, and geographical ties between the two nations.
Dr. Niaz pointed out the modest bilateral trade volume of USD 23.46 million in 2022-2023 and stressed the need to explore more trade opportunities, noting the upcoming Pak-Tajik Business-to-Business forum.
He also underscored the progress made through the Joint Working Groups, particularly in trade, agriculture, transport and energy cooperation.
He further expressed optimism for continued fruitful discussions to further strengthening bilateral relations.
In his opening remarks, Sardar Awais Leghari, Federal Minister for Power Division warmly welcomed the Tajik delegation, emphasizing the longstanding, close, and cordial relations between Pakistan and Tajikistan.
He highlighted the historic ties, noting that Pakistan was one of the first countries to recognize Tajikistan’s independence in 1991, and emphasized their shared religious, historical, and cultural bonds.
He stressed the importance of developing a Plan of Action to boost trade, remove barriers, and establish a Joint Coordination Committee on Transit Trade under the Tajikistan-Pakistan Transit Trade Agreement.
He emphasized the strategic importance of Pakistan’s location at the crossroads of Central and West Asia, offering ideal opportunities for Tajik investments.
Additionally, he highlighted the potential for facilitating trade corridors under the Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) Program.
Leghari also expressed his hope for the swift completion of the CASA-1000 energy project, which would significantly benefit both countries.
Acknowledging the importance of people-to-people ties, he called for enhanced tourism and cultural exchanges and invited Tajik citizens to explore Pakistan’s diverse natural beauty.
He concluded by expressing confidence that the Commission's discussions would yield concrete recommendations to strengthen bilateral relations and deepen economic ties.
H.E Jum’a Daler Shofaqir, Minister for Energy and Water Resources, Tajikistan, expressed his sincere gratitude to the Government of Pakistan.
He also thanked them for the warm welcome and hospitality extended to him and his delegation.
Minister Shofaqir appreciated and acknowledged the significant progress made in bilateral relations since then.
He reiterated Tajikistan's commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and deepening economic ties with Pakistan, looking forward to working closely with Pakistani counterparts to achieve shared goals and aspirations.
The co-chairs of the Joint Commission, Sardar Awais Leghari and H.E Jum’a Daler Shofaqir, held a one-on-one meeting to strategize on amplifying economic cooperation and resolving trade issues.
Copyright Mettis Link News
Posted on: 2024-12-11T15:28:52+05:00
