Transit trade agreement: Pakistan, Turkmenistan call for finalisation

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Turkmenistan have called for the early finalisation and operationalisation of their transit trade agreement to unlock bilateral trade potential and strengthen regional connectivity, with a particular focus on providing landlocked Turkmenistan access to international markets through reliable transport corridors.

The Issue came under discussion during a meeting of the Pakistan–Turkmenistan Parliamentary Friendship Group (PFG), led by its Convener Sanjay Perwani, with Turkmenistan’s Ambassador to Pakistan Atadjan Movlamov.

The two sides identified trade, energy, transport and infrastructure as key areas for expanding economic cooperation, while stressing the need to develop regional transport corridors and strengthen commercial linkages between the two countries.

The meeting also highlighted the importance of facilitating business-to-business contacts, encouraging trade delegations and exploring investment opportunities to translate longstanding diplomatic relations into tangible economic partnerships.

Ambassador Movlamov emphasised Turkmenistan’s interest in expanding cooperation with Pakistan, particularly in trade, transport, energy and infrastructure development. He underscored the importance of regional connectivity in promoting economic integration and facilitating cross-border commerce.

In a move aimed at institutionalising bilateral parliamentary engagement, Perwani proposed the establishment of a counterpart Parliamentary Friendship Group in Turkmenistan’s Parliament to ensure regular dialogue, legislative exchanges and sustained cooperation.

He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening relations with Turkmenistan, recalling Islamabad’s early recognition of the Central Asian state’s independence and its continued support for Turkmenistan’s policy of permanent neutrality.

Members of the National Assembly Fateh Ullah Khan and Khawaja Izharul Hassan also attended the meeting.

Both sides stressed the importance of continued high-level engagement and closer parliamentary coordination on regional and international issues, expressing their commitment to advancing bilateral relations through stronger trade ties, economic cooperation and people-to-people exchanges.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026