Islamabad, December 11, 2024: The seventh meeting of the Pakistan-Tajikistan Joint Commission, held on Wednesday, marked a significant milestone with the signing of two landmark Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) and key protocols.
The meeting, co-chaired by Federal Minister for Power Division, Sardar Awais Leghari, and Tajik Minister for Energy and Water Resources, Jum’a Daler Shofaqir, was hosted by Pakistan’s Ministry of Economic Affairs.
The first MoU establishes a historic partnership between Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province and Tajikistan’s Khatlon province, aiming to foster enhanced cooperation and mutual development. The second MoU formalizes collaboration between the Pakistan and Tajikistan Football Federations, a step poised to enrich the sporting landscape in both nations.
In addition, a business-to-business (B2B) forum has been scheduled for December 13, 2024, to strengthen trade relations between the two countries.
During the event, Sardar Awais Leghari highlighted the historical, close, and cordial relations between Pakistan and Tajikistan, noting that Pakistan was among the first countries to recognize Tajikistan’s independence in 1991. He emphasized the shared religious, cultural, and historical bonds between the two nations and reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to enhancing bilateral cooperation across sectors such as trade, energy, agriculture, education, and industry.
Leghari underscored the need for a comprehensive Plan of Action to boost trade, address barriers, and establish a Joint Coordination Committee under the Tajikistan-Pakistan Transit Trade Agreement. He also stressed Pakistan’s strategic location as a trade and investment hub for Central and West Asia and urged Tajik investors to explore these opportunities.
He expressed optimism about the swift completion of the CASA-1000 energy project, which promises substantial mutual benefits. Leghari also called for enhanced people-to-people ties through tourism and cultural exchanges, inviting Tajik citizens to experience Pakistan’s diverse natural beauty.
Minister Jum’a Daler Shofaqir acknowledged the robust historical ties between the two countries, founded on shared values and a vision for regional prosperity. He praised the progress in bilateral relations and highlighted the potential for collaboration in energy, trade, agriculture, education, and industry. Shofaqir echoed the call for the timely completion of CASA-1000 and reaffirmed Tajikistan’s commitment to deepening economic ties with Pakistan.
Dr. Kazim Niaz, Secretary of Pakistan’s Ministry of Economic Affairs, emphasized the need to enhance trade volumes, which stood at a modest USD 23.46 million in 2022-2023. He highlighted the importance of the upcoming B2B forum and lauded the progress achieved through Joint Working Groups, particularly in trade, transport, and energy cooperation. Dr. Niaz expressed optimism for further fruitful discussions to strengthen bilateral relations.
In a separate one-on-one meeting, Sardar Awais Leghari and Jum’a Daler Shofaqir strategized on amplifying economic cooperation and addressing trade challenges. Both leaders reiterated their commitment to fostering stronger bilateral ties and unlocking new avenues for growth and shared prosperity.
