Pakistan and Tajikistan have taken a significant step toward strengthening economic ties as officials from both countries resumed negotiations on a Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA), aiming to unlock new opportunities in regional commerce and connectivity.
The latest round of discussions, held through online zoom space, brought together senior representatives from Pakistan’s Ministry of Commerce and Tajikistan’s Ministry of Economic Development and Trade.
Both sides expressed optimism about finalizing the framework of the PTA in the coming months, emphasizing its potential to enhance bilateral trade volumes, which remain below their full potential.
Talking to APP here on Monday, President Federation Pakistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) , Atif Ikram Sheikh said that the proposed, PTA would focus on reducing tariffs on a wide range of goods, including textiles, agricultural products, pharmaceuticals, and light engineering goods. Business community is keen to expand exports of rice, surgical instruments, and garments, while Tajikistan is expected to benefit from increased access for its aluminum, cotton, and dried fruits, he said.
President FPCCI said that the negotiations are also being seen in the broader context of regional integration initiatives such as the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) and connectivity projects linking Central Asia with South Asia.
Meanwhile President Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) Sardar Tahir Mehmood said that the agreement could serve as a catalyst for broader economic cooperation, including investment in energy, hydropower, and infrastructure.
There is also growing interest in leveraging platforms like the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) to complement bilateral efforts and promote regional stability through economic interdependence, he said.
Despite the positive momentum, challenges remain, and these include regulatory harmonization, banking channel limitations, and the need for improved transport connectivity, he said.
If finalized, the PTA is expected to mark a new chapter in Pakistan-Tajikistan relations, paving the way for stronger economic integration and mutual growth in an increasingly interconnected region, he stated.
It is pertinent to mention that both countries underscored the importance of improving transit and logistics infrastructure to facilitate smoother trade flows, including the use of existing corridors and potential new routes, he said. Speaking after the meeting, Pakistani officials highlighted that the PTA aligns with Islamabad’s “Look Central Asia” policy, which seeks to deepen economic engagement with Central Asian republics.
Tajik representatives, meanwhile, stressed that closer trade relations with Pakistan would provide their landlocked country with greater access to seaports, particularly through the Arabian Sea.
However, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to addressing these hurdles through continued dialogue and technical collaboration.