Pakistan, Tajikistan push for stronger trade corridors, regional connectivity

• Commerce minister stresses diversified transit routes for resilient regional trade, eying integrated logistics corridor linking Pakistan with Central Asia

• Terms QTTA framework implementation vital for boosting transit cooperation, underscoring China’s pivotal role in strengthening regional connectivity

• Tajik envoy highlights surplus energy exports, aluminium trade opportunities, proposing B2B forum to deepen private-sector engagement

 ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan on Wednesday reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to facilitating regional trade through improved logistics, diversified transit routes and closer coordination with partner countries, including Tajikistan.

The minister expressed these views during a meeting with Sharifzoda Yusuf Toir, where both sides discussed measures to enhance bilateral trade, strengthen transit connectivity and deepen institutional cooperation, according to a Commerce Ministry statement.

Jam Kamal said the timely completion of internal procedures under transit frameworks, including the QTTA arrangement, was essential for operationalising existing mechanisms and advancing future cooperation.

He stressed the importance of developing an integrated commercial corridor, noting that the establishment of logistics hubs, offloading facilities and multimodal transport systems would help create an efficient supply chain linking Pakistan with Central Asia.

The minister said enhanced cooperation with China would remain central to strengthening regional connectivity, adding that reliance on a single trade route was not sustainable and underscoring the need to keep multiple corridors operational to ensure continuity and resilience.

He said cost-effectiveness and efficiency must remain key considerations in selecting transit routes.

Jam Kamal also highlighted the need to strengthen institutional linkages by facilitating direct interaction between export and import agencies of both countries through virtual engagements aimed at initiating sector-specific cooperation and preparing draft memoranda of understanding (MoUs).

Referring to the role of the Trading Corporation of Pakistan, the minister said government-to-government trade mechanisms could be utilised for key commodities while encouraging broader private-sector participation.

Ambassador Sharifzoda underscored the importance of reliable and cost-effective transit routes and appreciated Pakistan’s efforts to enhance regional connectivity. He also highlighted Tajikistan’s potential to export surplus energy to Pakistan and identified opportunities for cooperation in aluminium trade and industrial supply chains.

Both sides agreed to utilise platforms such as the Joint Economic Commission to advance bilateral cooperation. They also proposed organising a business-to-business (B2B) forum on the sidelines of upcoming engagements to promote direct interaction between private-sector stakeholders.

The two sides expressed satisfaction over the constructive dialogue and agreed to maintain close coordination to translate discussions into tangible outcomes.