Pak-Kazakh talks: Private sector comes under sharp focus

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Kazakhstan on Wednesday agreed to establish a joint working committee aimed at expanding bilateral trade and economic cooperation over the next five years. The decision was made during a meeting between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, during his on a two-day state visit to Pakistan, which ended on Feb 4.

Upon his arrival at the Prime Minister’s House, President Tokayev was warmly received by Prime Minister Sharif. An official welcome ceremony, which included an inspection of the guard of honour, was held in his honour.

The two leaders later held a one-on-one meeting, which was followed by private talks and delegation-level discussions, with key cabinet ministers from both sides in attendance.

The meetings were also joined by the Chief of Defence Forces, Army Chief Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir.

In remarks during the delegation talks, Prime Minister Sharif described President Tokayev’s visit as a “historic milestone” in Pakistan-Kazakhstan relations, marking the first visit by a Kazakh president to Pakistan in 23 years.

The two leaders reviewed the breadth of their bilateral relations and expressed satisfaction with the growing frequency of high-level exchanges, as well as the effectiveness of existing institutional frameworks, including the Bilateral Political Consultations and the Joint Intergovernmental Commission.

Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to expanding cooperation in political, economic, defence, and cultural spheres.

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Prime Minister Sharif highlighted the positive trend in bilateral trade, while stressing the need to unlock its full potential.

In a bid to promote further economic ties, both leaders emphasised the importance of boosting private sector engagement.

They welcomed the upcoming Pakistan-Kazakhstan Business Forum as a step forward in fostering trade and investment.

During the discussions, regional connectivity and transport linkages were also prioritised, with both sides committing to strengthen cooperation in road, rail, air, and maritime transport.

The leaders underscored the significance of transit trade arrangements and regional corridors in facilitating economic integration and shared prosperity.

The talks also covered areas such as education, tourism, energy, and cultural exchanges. Both leaders acknowledged the value of academic and people-to-people exchanges in building long-term bilateral relations.

At the conclusion of the visit, the two leaders expressed confidence that the agreements signed – including 37 memoranda of understanding (MOUs) and a Joint Declaration on “Establishment of Strategic Partnership” – would open new avenues for cooperation.

President Tokayev thanked Prime Minister Sharif for the warm hospitality extended to him and his delegation during their stay.

He also extended an invitation for the Prime Minister to visit Kazakhstan later this year, to which Sharif responded positively, reiterating Pakistan’s commitment to deepening ties with Kazakhstan for regional peace, connectivity, and development.

In a separate ceremony at the Prime Minister’s office, Prime Minister Sharif and President Tokayev unveiled commemorative plaques to mark the launch of two key initiatives in the fields of sports and education.

The first plaque was unveiled for the establishment of the Kazakhstan-Pakistan Dostik Sports Centre, a project designed to enhance bilateral cooperation in sports.

The second plaque commemorated the creation of three new educational centres aimed at fostering collaboration between academic institutions and students in both countries.

These include the establishment of a Technical Research Centre, to be developed in partnership with three universities, alongside the Ahmed Yasawi Research Centre and the Al-Farabi Centre.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026