Islamabad: Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) on Industries and Production, Haroon Akhtar Khan, held a meeting with the Ambassador of Kazakhstan, Yerzhan Kistafin, to discuss avenues for enhancing industrial cooperation, economic development, bilateral relations, and mutual trade between Pakistan and Kazakhstan.
During the meeting, both sides agreed to further strengthen industrial and economic ties and explore new opportunities for collaboration in key sectors. The Kazakh Ambassador expressed Kazakhstan’s keen interest in Pakistan’s furniture industry, sports goods sector, and maritime infrastructure, particularly its seaports.
Haroon Akhtar Khan stated that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s vision is centered on strengthening connectivity and economic cooperation with the Central Asian states. He emphasized the importance of deepening economic engagement and expanding trade relations between Pakistan and Kazakhstan.
Highlighting the need for improved financial connectivity, Haroon Akhtar Khan stressed that stronger banking linkages between the two countries are essential to facilitate trade and investment. He directed the State Bank of Pakistan to prioritize and expedite the process of establishing banking branches to support growing economic interaction.
The Ambassador of Kazakhstan underscored the importance of enhancing direct contacts between the business communities of both countries to unlock the full potential of bilateral trade and investment.
Haroon Akhtar Khan noted that Pakistani furniture is known for its high quality and excellent finishing and enjoys strong demand in international markets. He emphasized that greater cooperation could create new opportunities for Pakistani exporters in Kazakhstan and the wider Central Asian region.
The Kazakh Ambassador invited Pakistani industrialists and entrepreneurs to participate in exhibitions and expos being organized in Kazakhstan, providing them with opportunities to showcase their products and establish business partnerships.
Discussing travel facilitation, the Ambassador informed that visa-free access is already available for holders of diplomatic and official passports. He added that work is underway to extend visa facilitation measures to business passport holders as well. He further stated that Kazakhstan is committed to providing additional visa facilities to Pakistani tourists in order to promote tourism and people-to-people exchanges.
Haroon Akhtar Khan highlighted Pakistan’s immense tourism potential, describing the country as rich in natural beauty and diverse tourist attractions. He said that Pakistan’s majestic mountains, vast deserts, and breathtaking landscapes continue to attract visitors from around the world.
He further emphasized that cooperation between Pakistan and Kazakhstan in the tourism sector would be mutually beneficial and would contribute to stronger cultural and economic ties between the two countries.
The Ambassador of Kazakhstan appreciated Pakistan’s natural beauty, ongoing development efforts, and visionary leadership, expressing confidence in the growing partnership between the two friendly nations.
