Pakistan, Tajikistan Agree to Enhance Trade and Agricultural Cooperation

Islamabad, September 11: Federal Minister for National Food Security & Research, Rana Tanveer Hussain, held a meeting with H.E Ambassador of Tajikistan to Pakistan, Yusuf Sharifzoda, to discuss bilateral trade, agricultural cooperation, economic relations and ways to further strengthen ties between the two brotherly countries.

During the meeting, the Tajik Ambassador conveyed an invitation to the Federal Minister to attend the upcoming Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) meeting scheduled to be held in September.

The Federal Minister said that Pakistan and Tajikistan enjoy historic, brotherly and cordial relations, rooted in shared religious, cultural and civilizational bonds. He said Tajikistan holds a special position among Pakistan’s partners in Central Asia.

Rana Tanveer Hussain emphasized the need to further enhance bilateral trade and economic cooperation, saying that the existing trade volume between the two countries needs to be improved through greater engagement and by exploring new and alternative avenues of trade.

The Federal Minister highlighted the significant potential for cooperation between Pakistan and Tajikistan in agriculture, food processing, livestock, agricultural technology and value addition. He said both countries could benefit from each other’s expertise and experience to promote cooperation in the agriculture and food sectors.

Ambassador Yusuf Sharifzoda said that the decline in bilateral trade needed to be addressed and emphasized the importance of exploring alternative options and new avenues to revive and expand trade between the two countries.

Both sides agreed to continue efforts to strengthen trade and economic linkages, enhance business-to-business contacts and explore new opportunities for cooperation in agriculture and food-related sectors.

The meeting also underscored the importance of regional connectivity, expanded trade and economic cooperation in further strengthening the longstanding and brotherly relations between Pakistan and Tajikistan.