Pakistan and Kazakhstan have set an ambitious target to elevate bilateral trade to $1 billion as the Kazakh president concluded a state visit to Islamabad aimed at deepening economic ties and cooperation, official sources said.
President Kassym‑Jomart Tokayev arrived in Pakistan on a two-day official visit at the invitation of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, where he was warmly welcomed at the Prime Minister’s House with a ceremonial guard of honour and national anthems. A high-level Kazakh delegation accompanied him, reflecting the importance both sides place on strengthening relations.
Addressing a joint press conference following the signing of over 30 memoranda of understanding across sectors such as petroleum, mining and maritime affairs, the prime minister said the existing trade volume of about $250 million falls short of the true economic potential between Islamabad and Astana. He urged businesses and policymakers to work toward boosting trade to $1 billion within the next year.
During the visit, the two leaders held one-on-one talks and delegation-level meetings covering the full spectrum of bilateral cooperation. Discussions focused on expanding economic engagement, investment opportunities and enhancing connectivity to facilitate trade and regional integration.
Both sides agreed that stronger institutional coordination and private sector engagement would be crucial in achieving the new trade target, and they reaffirmed commitments to open new avenues for cooperation in regional logistics, people-to-people contacts and broader economic ties.
The Kazakhstan president also participated in ceremonial activities, including planting a commemorative sapling on the lawns of the Prime Minister’s House, marking the significance of the visit in strengthening bilateral bonds.