Pakistan, Tajikistan move to finalise CASA-1000 terms after Dushanbe talks

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Tajikistan have agreed to convene a meeting of the Joint Working Group in Istanbul later this month to settle the remaining commercial and operational issues related to the CASA-1000 regional electricity project, according to an Economic Affairs Division statement issued after the 8th session of the Joint Commission on Trade, Economic and Scientific-Technical Cooperation in Dushanbe.

The session concluded on Thursday and was co-chaired by Pakistan’s Power Minister Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari and Tajikistan’s Minister of Energy and Water Resources, Jum’a Daler Shofaqir. In a joint statement, the two sides welcomed the progress made on CASA-1000 and underlined the need to complete the remaining work so the project can begin operating on time.

Under the project, the two countries are expected to exchange surplus electricity and help offset power shortages on an alternate basis in line with their seasonal patterns.

Trade and connectivity agenda

The Tajik side appreciated what it described as productive exchanges between technical experts from both countries in areas including energy, commerce and trade, industry, health, transport and communication, food and agriculture, education, science and technology, media, tourism, sports and culture.

According to the statement, Mr Leghari said the technical-level discussions had been constructive and called for active follow-up on the decisions taken during the session. He also stressed the importance of expanding trade and investment cooperation and improving regional connectivity.

Both countries agreed to arrange trade delegations, business-to-business meetings and online business interactions to support bilateral trade. They also decided to share information on tariffs, regulations and sectors with trade potential, while working on a three-year roadmap aimed at raising bilateral trade to $200 million.

The two sides also welcomed the finalisation of a memorandum of understanding between the Agency for Export under the Government of Tajikistan and the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan. They discussed a Preferential Trade Agreement and described it as an important step for strengthening trade and commercial relations, while agreeing to continue discussions for its early finalisation.

In addition, Pakistan and Tajikistan agreed to strengthen government-to-government procurement cooperation through an MoU between the Agency for State Material Reserves of Tajikistan and the Trading Corporation of Pakistan.

Energy, agriculture and travel links

The Ministry of Energy and Water Resources of Tajikistan expressed interest in working with Pakistan on possible investment opportunities for Pakistan Petroleum Ltd and Oil and Gas Development Company Ltd in Tajikistan’s exploration and production sector. The two sides also endorsed technical cooperation and training opportunities for Tajik oil and gas professionals through Pakistan’s Oil & Gas Training Institute.

In agriculture, both countries agreed on the need to expand cooperation in agricultural trade and to exchange information on seasonal and high-potential products. They also emphasised cooperation in the transfer and testing of high-yield crop varieties, including cotton, wheat, potatoes and vegetables.

They further agreed to finalise a roadmap for stronger cooperation in agriculture and to promote collaboration in phytosanitary and veterinary fields. Mr Leghari also emphasised the importance of operationalising direct flights between the two countries and making efforts to facilitate visas.

The statement said the Pakistani side would work closely with Tajik partners to turn the understandings reached at the joint commission session into practical progress for both countries and their people.