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ISLAMABAD, May 08 (APP):Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Pakistan, Yerzhan Kistafin, called on Rana Ihsaan Afzal Khan, Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Commerce, in Islamabad Thursday to discuss avenues for strengthening economic ties to enhance regional cooperation between the two countries.
During the meeting, both sides emphasized the importance of enhancing bilateral trade and regional connectivity, said a press release issued here.
Rana Ihsaan Afzal Khan underscored Pakistan’s commitment to transforming its historically cordial relations with Kazakhstan into a comprehensive economic partnership, for the mutual benefit of both nations.
The Ambassador highlighted that total trade between the two countries reached $172.5 million in 2023-24, with Pakistan’s exports to Kazakhstan accounting for $170.82 million.
He also briefed the Coordinator about the upcoming Kazakhstan Business Forum scheduled for the end of June, and invited Pakistani stakeholders to actively participate.
Ambassador Kistafin further proposed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) and its counterpart agency in Kazakhstan to institutionalize trade cooperation and facilitate greater interaction between the business communities.
Matters related to the finalization of a Transit Trade Agreement and visa facilitation for business delegates were also discussed.
Rana Ihsaan Afzal Khan welcomed the initiatives and expressed Pakistan’s readiness to advance mutual trade interests and support regional economic integration, especially in the context of Central Asia’s access to global markets through Pakistan.
He also acknowledged the positive outcomes of recent engagements, including the13th session of the Pakistan-Kazakhstan Inter-Governmental Commission (IGC) and the Pak-Kazakhstan Business Forum held in Karachi last month, where over 330 companies from both sides participated in B2B meetings and industrial visits.
“The government is committed to providing a supportive environment for trade and investment with Kazakhstan and its Central Asian neighbors,” he affirmed.