Kazakhstan and Pakistan discuss creation of a joint export-import company

First Vice Minister of Trade and Integration of the Republic of Kazakhstan Arman Shakkaliyev met with a Pakistani business delegation headed by Honorary Consul of Kazakhstan in Lahore of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan Rao Khalid Mahmud.

The parties discussed the possibilities of expanding trade and economic relations, as well as the implementation of joint promising projects.

As Arman Shakkaliyev noted, Pakistan is an important trading partner of Kazakhstan.

«We have high hopes for the opening of a Kazakh trading house in Islamabad. The main task is to increase the trade turnover between our countries. In the current geopolitical conditions, food security issues come to the fore. Kazakh companies can supply about 80 items of goods to the Pakistani market, and, in particular, food products and agricultural machinery», - the First Vice Minister said.

For operational interaction, the meeting participants agreed to develop a step-by-step action plan and exchange lists of goods for export-import.

«Pakistan will become a window for Kazakhstan to enter the markets of third countries. For our part, we will provide Pakistan with access to the EAEU market through the creation of a joint Kazakh-Pakistani company with QazTrade», - Arman Shakkaliyev said.

According to the Honorary Consul of Lahore of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Rao Khalid Mahmud, in addition to trade and economic ties, Kazakhstan and Pakistan have a wide range of areas for cooperation, including cooperation in the fields of culture, science and education.

«The Pakistani market is very capacious. Having a favorable geographical location, our country can provide Kazakhstan with access to seaports, which will allow you to ship goods and cargo to the countries of the Middle East. In turn, Pakistan is interested in acquiring up to 5 million tons of flour and wheat products from Kazakhstan, as well as in supplying raw sugar and rice to the Kazakh market», - Khalid Mahmud said.

In addition, the Pakistani business is ready to supply the Kazakh buyer with potatoes, tangerines, cabbage, carrots and exotic fruits of good quality and at an attractive price.

By the end of 2022, the trade turnover between Kazakhstan and Pakistan decreased by 23.1% compared to the previous year and amounted to 73.1 million dollars.

Kazakhstan exports to Pakistan mainly hot-rolled and cold-rolled flat rolled non-alloy steel, waste and scrap of ferrous metals, mineral fertilizers, onions, garlic, flax seeds, legumes, buckwheat, millet and other cereals.

The main goods of Pakistani imports are citrus fruits, potatoes, medicines, clothing and others.