Issue Brief on “PM Nawaz Sharif’s Visit to Tajikistan: Prospects of Cooperation”

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Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif paid a visit to Tajikistan from July 6-7, 2017. Prime Minister Sharif met with Tajik President, Emomali Rahmon. With a focus on regional connectivity, trade and ene­rgy, Pakistan and Tajikistan agreed to explore new avenues of cooperation by increasing collaboration in economy, defence, security, agriculture and education sectors. Both signed the joint declaration aimed at enhancing connectivity between the two countries and in the region at large. The two leaders also expressed satisfaction on the progress achieved so far in the economic sphere, particularly with regard to the Central Asia-South Asia power (CASA-1000) project, and hoped that it would soon move into construction phase. As agreed in 2014, the PM Sharif said that two countries needed to take measures to boost bilateral trade to US$500 million in the next three years.

Prime Minister Sharif said that the joint working group on trade, investment and transport would be meeting later this month to explore untapped opportunities in the areas. He also announced opening of commercial section at Pakistan’s Embassy in Dushanbe. Prime Minister Sharif said that the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) would provide new opportunities for enhanced connectivity and integration from Gwadar to Kashgar. It would also provide a road link with Tajikistan and other Central Asian states.

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