ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Tajikistan have agreed to exchange information on tariffs, regulations, and potential sectors for trade cooperation, while working towards a three-year roadmap to increase bilateral trade to $200 million. The two sides underscored the importance of developing sustainable trade and connectivity routes between the two countries.
Joint Commission Meeting
The 8th session of the Joint Commission on Trade, Economic and Scientific-Technical Cooperation was held between Pakistan and Tajikistan in Dushanbe, Tajikistan. The session was co-chaired by Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari, Federal Minister for Energy (Power Division), and Jum’a Daler Shofaqir, Minister of Energy and Water Resources, Government of Tajikistan. Several ministries from both sides participated, including the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Commerce, Ministry of National Food Security and Research, Ministry of National Health Services, Ministry of Industries & Production, Power Division, Petroleum Divisions, Inter-Provincial Coordination, and the State Bank of Pakistan. All relevant state departments of the Tajikistan government also took part.
Key Agreements
The host co-chair welcomed the Pakistani delegates and appreciated the productive technical-level discussions in areas such as energy, commerce, industry, health, transport, food and agriculture, education, science and technology, media, tourism, sports, and culture. The Pakistan co-chair thanked the Tajik government for its warm hospitality and urged active follow-up on the decisions taken during the Joint Commission.
Pakistan emphasized the importance of increasing trade and investment cooperation and regional connectivity. The sides agreed to organize trade delegations, B2B meetings, and online business interactions to enhance bilateral trade. They further agreed to exchange information on tariffs, regulations, and potential sectors for trade cooperation, while working towards a three-year roadmap to increase bilateral trade to $200 million.
Trade Agreements and PTA
Both countries welcomed the finalization of a memorandum of understanding between the Agency for Export under the Government of Tajikistan and the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan. They also discussed a Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) as a significant step to boost trade and commercial ties and agreed to continue discussions for its early finalization. The parties agreed to strengthen cooperation for government-to-government procurement through an MoU between the Agency for State Material Reserves of Tajikistan and the Trading Corporation of Pakistan.
CASA-1000 Project and Energy Cooperation
The two sides highly appreciated the progress achieved under the CASA-1000 Project and stressed the importance of completing the remaining work for its timely operationalization. They reaffirmed participation in the CASA-1000 Joint Working Group meeting scheduled for June 2026 in Istanbul to finalize outstanding commercial and operational matters. The Ministry of Energy and Water Resources of Tajikistan expressed interest in collaborating with Pakistan on exploring investment opportunities for Pakistan Petroleum Limited and Oil & Gas Development Company Limited in Tajikistan’s exploration and production sector. Technical cooperation and training opportunities for Tajik oil and gas professionals through Pakistan’s Oil & Gas Training Institute were also endorsed.
Agriculture and Education
In the agriculture sector, both sides shared the need for increasing cooperation in agricultural trade and exchange of information on seasonal and high-potential products. They emphasized cooperation in the transfer and testing of high-yield crop varieties including cotton, wheat, potatoes, and vegetables. Both countries agreed to finalize a Roadmap for Strengthening Cooperation in Agriculture and promote cooperation in phytosanitary and veterinary fields. In education, science and technology, the parties discussed cooperation between universities and research institutions. Tajikistan proposed collaboration between the Tajikistan University of Technology and the National University of Sciences and Technology Islamabad in engineering, IT, and architecture. Both sides agreed to encourage joint research projects in water resources, hydropower, ecology, and agriculture, along with exchange of scientific information and innovative technologies.
Culture, Tourism, and Youth Affairs
Appreciating the proposals for cooperation in culture, tourism, youth affairs, and sports, the two co-chairs endorsed them and emphasized sustainable tourism. During the visit, Minister Leghari called on the Prime Minister of Tajikistan, Qohir Rasulzoda, and conveyed greetings from Pakistan’s leadership. The Prime Minister expressed satisfaction at the fruitful conclusion of the Joint Commission and paid compliments to the President of Tajikistan and the Prime Minister of Pakistan, whose vision had elevated the bilateral relationship to a strategic partnership. Minister Leghari reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to the timely completion of the CASA-1000 project. The two sides underscored the importance of developing sustainable trade and connectivity routes between the two countries.
Future Steps
The Prime Minister appreciated Pakistan’s participation in the high-level Water Forum held in Dushanbe last month. It was suggested that, in view of the elevated bilateral relationship, the Joint Commission should meet more than once a year to sustain momentum. Minister Leghari emphasized operationalizing direct flights between the two countries and making efforts for visa facilitation. He added that Pakistan would work closely with Tajik partners to translate the Joint Commission’s understandings into meaningful progress for both countries and their people. Both sides reaffirmed their commitments to sustaining momentum through more frequent Joint Commission meetings and further deepening cooperation.
