Global Rice News

LAHORE: Boosting business relations with Pakistan, Central Asian countries – Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan, Azerbaijan, and Kazakhstan – have officially opened their business kiosks at the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI).

The inauguration of the business desks took place on Friday in the presence of the ambassadors of Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan, Azerbaijan, and Kazakhstan, namely Atadjan Movlamov, Ulanbek Totuiaev, Khazar Farhadov, and Yerzhan Kistafin, who visited the LCCI.

LCCI President Kashif Anwar described the occasion as historic, stating, “It is a historic moment for us as the ambassadors of Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan, Azerbaijan, and Kazakhstan are with us to inaugurate the kiosks.”

Emphasizing on the immense potential of trade in ASEAN, the African Continent, and particularly in Central Asia, Mr. Anwar expressed the LCCI’s commitment to harnessing these opportunities.

“We believe that Pakistan and Central Asian countries have significant potential for trade and economic cooperation, driven by their strategic geographical positions and complementary economic strengths. The most promising area is energy, as Central Asian countries are rich in oil, natural gas, and hydropower resources, while Pakistan faces the issue of high energy costs,” explained the LCCI president.

Turkmenistan Ambassador Atadjan Movlamov highlighted the need for stronger connections between Pakistan and the Central Asian Republics, given their vast potential. He mentioned that Turkmenistan, with its population of 7 million, is the world’s richest nation in terms of natural resources.

“Our foreign policy is for promoting peace. With Pakistan, trade can be done in various areas like rice, sugar, vehicles, motorbikes, and auto parts which have a huge demand in Turkmenistan, while we can import LPG and petroleum products. Trade can be conducted at both government and private sector levels. With this kind of approach, we can find solutions to challenges and promote economic development,” he stated.

Azerbaijan Ambassador Khazar Farhadov emphasized the symbolic significance of the ambassadors coming together to showcase their commitment to connectivity, trade, and mutual relations with Pakistan. He highlighted the investment opportunities available in Azerbaijan, including in the Karabakh region. Ambassador Farhadov also mentioned the existing direct flights between Azerbaijan and Pakistan, urging PIA to consider increasing the frequency of these flights.

Kyrgyzstan Ambassador Ulanbek Totuiaev revealed that the trade volume between Kyrgyzstan and Pakistan reached $20 million last year, and they anticipate achieving a $50 million trade milestone by the year’s end. He also mentioned the direct flights between Islamabad and Lahore to Bishkek, stating that Kyrgyzstan currently hosts 10,000 Pakistani students.

Addressing the recent challenges faced by both countries due to misunderstanding and the spread of fake news, Ambassador Totuiaev expressed the need to strengthen bilateral relations and promote deeper understanding.

Kazakhstan’s Envoy Yerzhan Kistafin stressed the importance of regional collaboration and highlighted the role of regional connectivity in achieving this goal. He mentioned that Kazakhstan has successfully delivered goods to Dubai via Pakistan, underscoring the positive outcomes of developing stronger connectivity.

The opening of business kiosks by Central Asian countries at the LCCI signifies a significant step towards enhancing trade relations with Pakistan. With numerous opportunities for collaboration and mutual economic growth, the engagement between these nations promises to yield fruitful results.

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