Pakistan and Tajikistan agreed on a three-year roadmap to increase bilateral trade to $200 million during a high-level meeting in Dushanbe. The agreement aims to strengthen economic cooperation and improve regional connectivity between the two countries. Businesses, investors and key industries stand to benefit from expanded trade and investment opportunities.
The commitment emerged at the eighth session of the Joint Commission on Trade, Economic and Scientific-Technical Cooperation. Pakistan’s Energy Minister Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari and Tajik Energy Minister Jum’a Daler Shofaqir co-chaired the meeting. Both sides reviewed cooperation across energy, trade, transport, agriculture, education, health and technology sectors. They also agreed to organize trade delegations and business engagements to encourage commercial partnerships.
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Furthermore, the two countries pledged to improve market access and exchange information on tariffs and regulations. Officials welcomed the finalization of a memorandum of understanding between export promotion agencies. Discussions also advanced on a preferential trade agreement, with both governments agreeing to continue negotiations for an early conclusion. In addition, they explored government-to-government procurement cooperation to facilitate trade flows.
Energy cooperation remained a central focus of the discussions. Both countries praised progress on the CASA-1000 project and stressed the importance of completing remaining work quickly. They reaffirmed participation in a joint working group meeting scheduled for June in Istanbul. Tajikistan also expressed interest in attracting investment from Pakistani energy companies and welcomed technical training opportunities for its oil and gas professionals.
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Meanwhile, the session highlighted opportunities in agriculture, education, tourism and scientific research. The two sides agreed to strengthen cooperation on crop development, agricultural trade and research projects. During the visit, Leghari also met Tajik Prime Minister Qohir Rasulzoda to discuss connectivity corridors, direct flights and visa facilitation. Both countries reaffirmed their commitment to expanding strategic cooperation and maintaining momentum in bilateral relations.