FAISALABAD: Ambassador of Tajikistan, Sharifzoda Yousuf Toir, has called for stronger economic engagement between Pakistan and Tajikistan, pointing to significant opportunities to diversify bilateral trade, promote investment and deepen business-to-business cooperation.
Speaking at the Pakistan Textile Exporters Association (PTEA), the ambassador said both countries were committed to strengthening the economic dimension of their relationship and translating their longstanding fraternal ties into practical benefits for businesses.
He said they could build on existing relations by identifying new areas of cooperation, expanding the range of goods traded and strengthening links between their private sectors. Bilateral trade stood at USD 43 million in 2025, the ambassador said, while both governments aim to increase it to USD 200 million over the next three years. Achieving that target will require sustained engagement, stronger commercial ties and closer coordination among businesses and relevant institutions in both countries.
Highlighting the potential for cooperation between Pakistan’s and Tajikistan’s textile sectors, he said that direct links among manufacturers, exporters and buyers could help businesses explore new markets, identify complementary capabilities and establish lasting commercial partnerships. Such collaboration could also expand trade and strengthen connections between the two business communities, he added. Businesses need clear, accessible information to assess opportunities and make informed decisions. Better access to information on tariffs, product standards, buyer requirements and transport arrangements would help exporters understand market conditions, plan shipments and build reliable partnerships. Stronger private-sector links, supported by continued dialogue and improved access to information, could help translate the countries’ shared ambitions into increased trade and investment.
He expressed confidence that deeper economic cooperation would support mutual prosperity and further strengthen the partnership between the two countries.
PTEA Chairman Rehan Naseem Bharara said that Pakistan and Tajikistan enjoy strong cultural, religious and historical links. Pakistan considers Tajikistan an important economy in Central Asia as Tajikistan, with its strategic location and growing economic landscape, offers immense opportunities for collaboration. Despite the considerable potential for trade between Pakistan and Tajikistan, bilateral trade remains limited, standing at around USD 43 million. He said this figure is modest compared with the opportunities available and highlighted the need for closer economic engagement to unlock the countries’ full trading potential.
He said that the important steps which can prove to be instrumental in enhancing trade are exchange of Export Oriented Trade Delegations, Single Country Exhibitions and close liaison between trade organizations of both countries.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026