The Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Pakistan, Yerzhan Kistafin, has announced that both countries are working on a six-point cooperation framework aimed at significantly boosting bilateral trade. The target is to increase trade volume to $1 billion within the next two years, with a long-term potential estimated at $14 billion.
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Expanding Regional ConnectivityUpcoming Presidential VisitFocus on Digital Transformation and AI
Speaking to the media on Thursday, Ambassador Kistafin said that Joint Working Group (JWG) meetings are scheduled to be held this September. These meetings will cover six priority sectors — information technology, agriculture, education, defense, trade, and tourism. Negotiations on several agreements, particularly in trade facilitation and logistics, are also on the agenda.
Expanding Regional Connectivity
The ambassador stressed the importance of Pakistan’s inclusion in major regional connectivity projects such as the International North-South Transport Corridor and the Trans-Caspian Middle Corridor Project. He added that in the future, Gwadar Port will be directly connected to these corridors, enhancing Pakistan’s access to Central Asia, Europe, and beyond.
“These corridors will provide Pakistan with direct connectivity not only to Kazakhstan’s ports but also to the wider European Union, Central Asia, and South Asian markets,” he said.
Ambassador Kistafin also voiced strong support for the Pakistan-Uzbekistan-Afghanistan Transit Railway Project, describing it as a vital step toward integrating South and Central Asian economies through faster and cheaper transport routes.
Upcoming Presidential Visit
In response to a question, the ambassador confirmed that Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev is scheduled to visit Pakistan in November 2025. He described the visit as a milestone for strengthening bilateral relations, particularly in trade, investment, and regional cooperation.
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Focus on Digital Transformation and AI
Ambassador Kistafin highlighted Kazakhstan’s growing emphasis on digitalization and artificial intelligence (AI). He noted that earlier this month, on September 8 in Astana, President Tokayev unveiled a national roadmap for AI and digital transformation. This initiative is part of Kazakhstan’s broader vision to modernize its economy and align with global technological trends.
He added that Kazakhstan and Pakistan have agreed to foster institutional cooperation in these emerging sectors and to work on drafting new agreements for digital and technological collaboration.
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