PN Report
Almaty:: Pakistan and Kazakhstan reaffirmed their commitment to deeper economic relations during a meeting between Qaiser Ahmad Sheikh and Kazakhstan’s Deputy Prime Minister Sirjan Zhomangarin, according to a Board of Investment press release.
Sheikh stressed business-to-business cooperation, greater private-sector engagement and better banking channels for trade and investment. He pointed to opportunities in e-commerce, warehousing, textiles and mining, noting that Kazakhstan’s affordable energy could attract Pakistani textile investment. He also urged early implementation of the MoUs signed during President Asif Ali Zardari’s February visit to Kazakhstan.
The Deputy Prime Minister said he hopes Pakistan’s Prime Minister will visit Kazakhstan, and that a five-year roadmap has been developed to advance cooperation. He said Pakistan’s market of about 250 million people offers significant opportunities, while Pakistan could use Kazakhstan as a gateway to the wider Eurasian market. He called for direct air connectivity between the two countries and said Kazakhstan’s Foreign Minister will visit Pakistan for the preparatory meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation.
Both sides stressed stronger connectivity, effective implementation of existing agreements and greater private-sector engagement.
