Pakistan–Kazakhstan strategic partnership to drive trade, investment growth: Ambassador of Kazakhstan Yerzhan Kistafin

Ambassador of Kazakhstan Yerzhan Kistafin has said that Kazakhstan and Pakistan have elevated their bilateral relations to a strategic partnership, with both countries agreeing to enhance trade volume to USD 01 billion in the coming years

LAHORE, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 16th Apr, 2026) Ambassador of Kazakhstan Yerzhan Kistafin has said that Kazakhstan and Pakistan have elevated their bilateral relations to a strategic partnership, with both countries agreeing to enhance trade volume to USD 01 billion in the coming years.

Addressing the business community here at Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) on Thursday, he said that a high-level joint working group has also been established to develop a five-year roadmap, while six sectoral working groups on trade, transport, energy, agriculture, IT, and education are already operational. Significant progress has also been made in easing business travel through the introduction of e-visas, strengthening banking channels, and plans to relaunch direct flights between Lahore and Almaty.

He said, major upcoming initiatives include a large-scale business forum, joint exhibitions, and collaboration in IT, artificial intelligence, education, and financial sectors.

LCCI President Faheem Ur Rehman Saigol, Senior Vice President Tanveer Ahmed Sheikh, Vice President Khurram Lodhi, Honorary Consul General Rao Khalid M. Khan, Executive Committee Members were also present.

Speaking on the occasion, the LCCI President said that Pakistan attaches great importance to its trade relations with Central Asian countries, particularly Kazakhstan, which is the largest economy in the region. He said that despite strong diplomatic and political relations, the existing trade volume between the two countries remains far below its true potential and needs to be enhanced significantly.

He highlighted that Pakistan’s exports to Kazakhstan include rice, fruits, oilseeds, meat, textiles, and pharmaceuticals, while imports mainly consist of chemicals and zinc. He emphasized the need to explore new trade avenues, promote joint ventures in energy, oil and gas, petrochemicals, tourism, and IT sectors, and improve connectivity through better banking channels, increased exchange of delegations, and more frequent direct flights.

Ambassador Yerzhan Kistafin said that the recent visit of the President of Kazakhstan to Pakistan after more than two decades marked a historic milestone, which resulted in the signing of a joint declaration on strategic partnership.

He noted that over 70 agreements and MoUs were signed across various sectors including trade, education, sports, and culture.

He shared that both countries are actively promoting institutional linkages, including the establishment of academic and cultural centers, sports collaborations, and technology partnerships. He also highlighted the development of sister city relationships between Lahore and Turkestan, Karachi and Almaty, and Faisalabad and Shymkent, with further linkages in progress.

The Ambassador informed that major steps have been taken to remove barriers to trade, including the launch of e-visa facilities, strengthening of banking linkages, and progress towards restoring direct flights. He added that new trade routes, including the Pakistan-Iran corridor and the Karakoram Highway connectivity, are opening fresh opportunities for regional trade.

He emphasized that Kazakhstan offers vast opportunities in various sectors and invited the Lahore Chamber to visit Kazakhstan to explore business prospects and strengthen institutional cooperation. He also announced that a major business forum, joint exhibitions, and sector-specific events in IT, artificial intelligence, finance, and education are planned during the upcoming visit of the Prime Minister of Pakistan to Kazakhstan later this year.

LCCI President Faheem Ur Rehman Saigol said that there is immense potential to increase bilateral trade to USD 01 billion and beyond through joint efforts. He stressed that both sides must work closely to identify new products, enhance business-to-business engagement, and facilitate private sector collaboration.

He reaffirmed LCCI’s commitment to strengthening ties with Kazakhstan through business forums, seminars, and exchange of delegations, adding that improved regional connectivity and peace will play a crucial role in unlocking the full potential of economic cooperation between the two countries.