Pakistan and Kazakhstan agreed on Wednesday to raise their bilateral trade to $1 billion in the near future and strengthen regional connectivity through a multi-country transport corridor linking Central and South Asia. During talks between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, who is on a two-day state visit to Pakistan, both leaders highlighted the need for coordinated efforts to unlock major economic opportunities.
Speaking at a joint press interaction, PM Shehbaz stated that both countries had agreed to promote the Belarus-Russia-Kazakhstan-Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan transport corridor to enhance regional trade and connectivity. He noted that despite strong political ties, bilateral trade stood at around $250 million last year, which did not reflect the true potential of their relationship.
The two leaders witnessed the exchange of 37 memorandums of understanding and agreements covering various sectors such as finance, trade, industry, transport, energy, health, culture, security, education, media, science, technology, climate change, and agriculture. PM Shehbaz stressed the need for timely implementation of these agreements, urging that MoUs be converted into practical projects.
President Tokayev described Pakistan as a reliable partner in South Asia and emphasized that elevating ties to a strategic partnership had opened new avenues for cooperation. He stated that bilateral trade had doubled in the past year and could reach $1 billion with sustained efforts. The Kazakh leader highlighted transport and logistics as priority areas, noting Pakistan’s growing role as a regional transit hub through the ports of Karachi and Gwadar.
Both sides also agreed to explore the resumption of direct air links to boost tourism, business, and people-to-people exchanges. President Tokayev invited Pakistani companies to establish manufacturing units in Kazakhstan, particularly in agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and construction materials, assuring them of favorable investment conditions.
The leaders reviewed cooperation in political, economic, defense, and cultural sectors and reaffirmed their commitment to deepening bilateral ties. They also agreed to form a joint working committee comprising senior ministers and officials to draft a five-year roadmap for expanding economic cooperation.
President Tokayev thanked PM Shehbaz for Pakistan’s hospitality and invited him to visit Kazakhstan later this year. The prime minister accepted the invitation and reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to regional peace, connectivity, and development.