Karachi, June 12, 2019 (PPI-OT): Mr. Noor Ahmed Khan, Acting President of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) underscored the importance of greater connectivity to stimulate regional economic cooperation and to accelerate the bilateral trade between Pakistan and Tajikistan during the meeting Mr. Hon. Isnatullo Nasredin, Ambassador of Tajikistan in Pakistan, at Federation House Karachi on 11th June 2019.
Mr. Noor Ahmed Khan highlighted the significance of geographical as well as historical relations between the two nations however, their volume of bilateral trade is very low as compared to the existing potential. He said that their exist huge unexplored potential for cooperation between Pakistan and Tajikistan and expressed Pakistan’s willingness of enhancing trade ties with Tajik in different fields including agriculture, trade, investment, cultural exchange and tourism etc. Mr. Isnatullo Nasredin expressed that his country is also looking forward to further expand bilateral cooperation with Pakistan in various areas including trade and energy.
The Acting President shared with the Ambassador that FPCCI and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Republic of Tajikistan have been playing their due role in the promotion of bilateral trade ties between the two countries through its Pakistan-Tajikistan Joint Business Council (JBC) which was established in 2015.
During the discussion regarding the cooperation between the two countries particularly in the Energy sector, the Acting President said that the completion of CASA-1000 project will enable Pakistan to import 1000-1300 MW electricity to overcome the energy shortage. The Ambassador Isnatullo Nasredin said the project is in the final stages of completion and once completed it would adequately address energy related needs of Pakistan.
On this occasion, Dr. Mirza Ikhtiar Baig, Senior Vice President of FPCCI said that Pakistan and Tajikistan geographically very close and hence a safe travelling by road route between the two countries can give a boost to already existing bilateral trade to both countries. Dr. Baig also highlighted the importance of availability of easy banking facilities between the both countries which will ease the businessmen of both sides.
Mr. Nasredin endorsing the importance and need of a by land traveling between the countries and proposed that Pakistan and Tajikistan should work together to convince their mutual neighbour Afghanistan for the development of such time and cost effective travel option by land.
Mr. Nasredin also agreed that convenient/direct mode of transportation whether by road route or availability of direct flights between the main cities of both countries will not only help to improve the business atmosphere between the two countries, but are also vital tools in the enhancement of people to people contacts by mutually benefitting the tourism industries of both countries. FPCCI assured the Ambassador, its fullest cooperation and coordination in order to promote and enhance the trade, economic as well as cultural ties between the two countries.
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