Latest news with #Kistafin
Express Tribune
10-08-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Kazakhstan offers to fully fund new trade corridors
Listen to article Kazakhstan's Ambassador to Pakistan, Yerzhan Kistafin, has offered full investment for constructing new trade corridors through China to Central Asian states. The initiative seeks to replace difficult existing land routes with improved connectivity, boosting bilateral and regional trade, according to an official statement issued Saturday. In a meeting with Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan, Kistafin confirmed that the president of Kazakhstan's will make a two-day official visit to Pakistan in the first week of November. The visit is expected to produce major breakthroughs in bilateral ties. Ahead of the visit, Joint Working Groups between Pakistan and Kazakhstan will be established in the fields of commerce and transport. Kistafin expressed Kazakhstan's strong interest in expanding bilateral trade with Pakistan and discussed the existing corridor from Kashgar to Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan. He also proposed upgrades to the Karachi-Chaman-Kandahar trade route, which is currently in use. Aleem Khan assured the Kazakh Ambassador to Pakistan of full cooperation, reiterating Pakistan's commitment to building trade corridors to Central Asia via China, Afghanistan, and Iran. He cited recent international conferences in Belarus and Iran, noting the role of regional states in promoting cross-border trade through land routes. The minister said Pakistan aims to develop an inter-country road network similar to the Karakoram Highway. Pending matters with the National Logistics Cell (NLC) regarding trade agreements were also reviewed during the meeting. Federal Secretary for Communications Ali Sher Mehsud attended the meeting.
Express Tribune
14-04-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Kazakhstan eyes regional maritime ties
Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs, Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, during a meeting with Kazakhstan's Ambassador Yerzhan Kistafin, highlighted the importance of enhancing regional connectivity, boosting economic collaboration, and promoting bilateral maritime cooperation between the two countries. According to a press statement released on Monday, Chaudhry emphasised the strategic importance of enhancing regional linkages to facilitate trade and economic growth. He noted that Kazakhstan, as a landlocked country, stands to gain considerable advantages by connecting with Pakistan through integrated land routes, railway networks, and access to the country's port infrastructure. The discussions centred on expanding collaboration in maritime trade, infrastructure development, and sustainable maritime practices. Reaffirming Pakistan's commitment to becoming a regional trade hub, Chaudhry stated, "Our maritime sector is a cornerstone of economic growth. By adopting innovative solutions and strengthening international partnerships, we aim to transform our ports into major centres of global trade." The Kazakh Ambassador expressed keen interest in enhancing cooperation in the areas of shipping and logistics. He highlighted Pakistan's strategic location and advanced port facilitiesincluding Gwadar, Karachi, and Port Qasimas critical gateways for Kazakhstan to access markets in the Gulf, Africa, and beyond, the statement said. "Pakistani ports are efficient and well-positioned to facilitate Kazakhstan's trade expansion. Strengthening connectivity through Pakistan opens up new avenues for economic integration across Central and South Asia," said Kistafin. Both sides agreed to take concrete steps to streamline logistics, optimise trade corridors, and explore joint ventures in port modernisation. Minister Chaudhry provided updates on development initiatives at Karachi Port Trust (KPT), Port Qasim Authority (PQA), and Gwadar Port Authority (GPA), and invited Kazakhstan to actively participate in these transformative projects. Environmental sustainability was also a key focus, with the minister highlighting Pakistan's efforts in promoting green shipping, reducing marine pollution, and protecting coastal ecosystems such as mangroves. The parties also recognised the value of workforce development and cultural exchange in fostering stronger people-to-people ties. As per the statement, the meeting concluded with a joint commitment to establish dedicated working groups to fast-track collaborative projects. Kistafin praised Pakistan's leadership in maritime development and expressed Kazakhstan's full support for deepening bilateral cooperation.
