Pakistan to use Tajikistan as gateway to Europe
Setting up a warehouse to promote trade between the two countries.
DUSHANBE:
Pakistani traders want to use Tajikistan as a gateway for easy access to central Asian states, Russia and Poland in a bid to capture international markets.
Tariq Iqbal Puri, while leading a trade delegation to Tajikistan, said Pakistani products can be promoted by setting up a warehouse in the central Asian country. He said instead of letters of credit, Tajik traders could strike deals on cash or credit after physical examination of goods in the warehouse.
In addition to this, he added, uninterrupted contacts and visits of traders of both sides were also necessary. He said Tajik traders would be invited to Expo Pakistan scheduled to be held in October.
Bilateral trade between Tajikistan and Pakistan is limited to $21.5 million but there is tremendous potential here. There is a lack of communications and transportation arrangements, banking links and interest of government and China, India, Iran and Afghanistan are taking full benefit of the situation.
FPCCI President Senator Haji Ghulam Ali said it was the first time that such a large delegation was visiting Tajikistan with representatives from all the provinces, Fata and northern areas. “There will be far-reaching effects of the visit,” he said.
Plan to set up cement plant
Pakistani investors have also expressed interest in investing in the cement sector in Tajikistan and initial talks have been concluded. The Baig Group will take advantage of cement demand in Tajikistan and will invest Rs2 billion in setting up a plant with a capacity to produce one million tons.
Published in The Express Tribune, June 1st, 2011.
Pakistani traders want to use Tajikistan as a gateway for easy access to central Asian states, Russia and Poland in a bid to capture international markets.
Tariq Iqbal Puri, while leading a trade delegation to Tajikistan, said Pakistani products can be promoted by setting up a warehouse in the central Asian country. He said instead of letters of credit, Tajik traders could strike deals on cash or credit after physical examination of goods in the warehouse.
In addition to this, he added, uninterrupted contacts and visits of traders of both sides were also necessary. He said Tajik traders would be invited to Expo Pakistan scheduled to be held in October.
Bilateral trade between Tajikistan and Pakistan is limited to $21.5 million but there is tremendous potential here. There is a lack of communications and transportation arrangements, banking links and interest of government and China, India, Iran and Afghanistan are taking full benefit of the situation.
FPCCI President Senator Haji Ghulam Ali said it was the first time that such a large delegation was visiting Tajikistan with representatives from all the provinces, Fata and northern areas. “There will be far-reaching effects of the visit,” he said.
Plan to set up cement plant
Pakistani investors have also expressed interest in investing in the cement sector in Tajikistan and initial talks have been concluded. The Baig Group will take advantage of cement demand in Tajikistan and will invest Rs2 billion in setting up a plant with a capacity to produce one million tons.
Published in The Express Tribune, June 1st, 2011.