KARACHI:
Earlier this month, Prime Minister Imran Khan visited Tajikistan where he attended the 20th SCO Council of Heads of State. He was accompanied by a group of Pakistani businessmen to inaugurate the business forum. During the introductory meeting, Imran Khan invited the business community of Tajikistan to openly invest in Pakistan. This, he said, will help improve bilateral relations between the two countries through trade and investment.
The introduction of the business forum is well-timed as most countries have witnessed a decline in economic activity because of the pandemic. Therefore, this relationship will definitely help boost economic activity in both countries through an expansion of trade with one another. Pakistan is a big market for the Tajik business community. Simultaneously, Pakistan can also benefit from Tajikistan’s cheap and clean hydro-electricity. The Prime Minister also suggested that improved bilateral relations between Pakistan and Tajikistan is important in order to ensure peace in Afghanistan. The business forum will improve connectivity and initiate economic prosperity within the region.
Imran Khan’s move from geo-politics to geo-economics is laudable. Bilateral initiatives such as this will help promote stability and growth in the region. Perhaps, this will also encourage other regional countries to form bilateral and multilateral relations that can benefit Pakistan both diplomatically and economically.
Muna Manzoor
Turbat
Published in The Express Tribune, September 28th, 2021.
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