Pakistan, Turkmenistan push for regional energy & trade connectivity cooperation

Pakistan and Turkmenistan on Tuesday discussed expanding cooperation in regional energy connectivity and infrastructure development, as Islamabad pushed to strengthen its role as a trade and transit gateway linking Central Asia with international markets through its seaports.

The development came during a meeting between Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan and Ambassador of Turkmenistan to Pakistan, H.E. Atadjan Movlamov, to discuss bilateral trade enhancement, regional connectivity, energy cooperation, and strengthening institutional engagement between the two brotherly countries, read an official statement.

During the meeting, both sides exchanged views on the growing importance of regional trade corridors, logistics cooperation, and improving commercial connectivity between Pakistan and Central Asian states. Discussions focused on expanding trade routes, facilitating smoother movement of goods, and enhancing direct interaction between the business communities of both countries.

Jam Kamal highlighted Pakistan’s strategic geographic position as a natural gateway connecting Central Asia with regional and international markets through Pakistan’s seaports. He observed that evolving regional dynamics and changing global supply chain patterns have further increased the importance of Pakistan’s connectivity and logistics potential.

The minister emphasised that stronger economic integration, efficient transportation linkages, and enhanced business-to-business engagement can unlock significant trade opportunities for both countries.

He also underlined the importance of organising business forums, exhibitions, and institutional interactions between chambers of commerce to promote direct engagement between the private sectors.

Ambassador Movlamov appreciated Pakistan’s positive approach towards regional trade facilitation and connectivity initiatives. He reaffirmed Turkmenistan’s interest in expanding bilateral economic cooperation and strengthening commercial and transport linkages with Pakistan.

Both sides also discussed prospects for cooperation in the energy sector, including regional energy connectivity and future infrastructure collaboration aimed at promoting long-term regional economic integration and stability.

The meeting further reviewed various areas of mutual economic interest and emphasised the importance of continued diplomatic engagement, institutional coordination, and high-level exchanges to further strengthen Pakistan-Turkmenistan relations.

Both sides expressed confidence that enhanced cooperation in trade, energy, logistics, and private-sector engagement would open new avenues for economic partnership between the two countries.