Pakistan and Eurasian bloc discuss possible trade agreement

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) have discussed the possibility of moving towards a trade agreement, with both sides agreeing to establish a joint feasibility study group to examine the proposal and its economic implications.

The matter came up during a videoconference meeting between Andrey Slepnev, Member of the Board and Minister in charge of Trade of the Eurasian Economic Commission, and Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan.

During the discussion, Slepnev said the EAEU and its member states attach significant importance to building mutually beneficial ties with South Asian countries. He said the bloc views Pakistan as one of the promising partners in the region.

According to the details shared from the meeting, trade between the EAEU and Pakistan is expanding at a steady pace and offers considerable room for further growth.

Jam Kamal said Pakistan sees stronger engagement with the EAEU not only as a commercial opening but also as a broader strategic partnership covering logistics, energy cooperation, digital trade, industrial collaboration and supply chain integration. "We support the initiation of structured dialogue mechanisms with the Eurasian Economic Commission aimed at exploring a trade agreement, subject to the outcome of the joint feasibility study," he said, adding that Pakistan remains ready to work closely with the Eurasian Economic Union and its member states in a constructive and forward-looking manner to realise the full scope of trade and investment cooperation.

Both sides observed that there are favourable prospects for expanding trade and economic relations between Pakistan and the EAEU.

To assess the likely economic impact and determine whether a preferential trade regime would be practical, the two sides agreed to form a joint feasibility study group in line with their respective legal procedures.

Focus on trade and economic cooperation

The meeting underscored a shared interest in deepening economic engagement. The EAEU side highlighted its interest in strengthening links with South Asia, while Pakistan presented wider areas in which cooperation could be developed beyond conventional trade.

The proposed feasibility study is expected to serve as the next formal step in evaluating whether a preferential trade arrangement can be pursued. The agreement to create the study group indicates that both parties want to examine the proposal through an institutional process before taking any further decision on a possible trade pact.

The discussion also reflected Pakistan’s stated interest in broadening economic partnerships through trade, investment and sector-specific cooperation with regional groupings and their member states.