Pakistan, Tajikistan to leverage China trade routes

Tajik delegation seeks import-export avenues via CPEC, Central Asia routes

LAHORE:

A five-member delegation from Tajikistan visited the Pakistan China Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCJCCI) on Friday to explore import and export opportunities between Pakistan, China, and Tajikistan. The delegation was led by Daler Qodiri, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Fayz Technology (Group of Companies), and welcomed by PCJCCI President Nazir Hussain, along with Senior Vice President Brig (Retd) Mansoor Saeed Sheikh and other PCJCCI executives.

The PCJCCI president highlighted that strengthening trade ties with Tajikistan aligns with Pakistan's goal of fostering economic stability in the region. He noted Pakistan's plans to establish a direct trade route to Tajikistan, granting road access to Central Asia via China and Afghanistan.

"Tajikistan views China as a vital trade partner and top source of foreign investment," Hussain said, pointing out Tajikistan's commitment to the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). With its mountainous terrain, Tajikistan relies on infrastructure investments for enhanced connectivity and economic growth, aiming for better regional integration.

Qodiri shared insights on Tajikistan's trade trends, stating, "According to China Customs, China-Tajikistan trade volume reached $1.68 billion in 2019, marking an 11.21% increase year-on-year." He noted the impact of COVID-19 on trade in 2020, but said it made a strong recovery with a 44.6% year-on-year growth in early 2021. Meanwhile, Pakistan's exports to Tajikistan have been growing at an annualised rate of 4.88%, rising from $15.8 million in 2017 to $20.1 million in 2022.

Senior Vice President Brig (Retd) Mansoor Saeed Sheikh said that enhanced bilateral trade could benefit both resource-rich, developing countries. He pointed to the high demand in Tajikistan for worn clothing, an area where Pakistan could secure a competitive edge by negotiating a 15% tariff reduction.

Zafar Iqbal, Vice President of PCJCCI, called for expedited progress on CPEC and Gwadar port projects, which would facilitate connectivity from Pakistan to Tajikistan through strategic routes like Gwadar-Peshawar-Kabul-Kunduz-Dushanbe.

Secretary General Salahuddin Hanif affirmed PCJCCI's commitment to fostering trade across Pakistan, China, and Tajikistan, expressing optimism that BRI and CPEC projects would drive mutual prosperity among these nations.