Pakistan desires market access to Central Asian states: FM

BISHKEK: Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi on Thursday said that they wanted market access for Pakistani commodities to the Central Asian countries, ARY News reported. 

Addressing Pakistani community and students in Bishkek, FM Qureshi said that Pakistan gave great importance to its ties with all the Central Asian states. He said that they would give more focus on trade with the countries after restoration of peace in war-torn Afghanistan.

The foreign minister further said that unfortunately, trade cooperation with Central Asian states cannot be materialized without having proper and easy connectivity.

On the occasion, FM Qureshi urged the Pakistani community to play its due role to highlight soft image of the country. He termed Pakistani students in Kyrgyzstan roaming ambassadors of the country and added that they should play a proactive role in promoting Pakistan’s strength.

The foreign minister said, “A community can play a cardinal role in creating goodwill and enabling environment to trade, investment, tourism, and people to people contacts.”

Read More: Pakistan seeks market access for its commodities to Kazakhstan

Earlier on April 10, President Dr Arif Alvi had urged Kazakhstan to facilitate access of Pakistani commodities to its markets.

Talking to Kazakhstan Ambassador Barlybay Sadykov, who had called on him in Islamabad, Arif Alvi had called for exploring possibilities to enhance trade and economic cooperation between Pakistan and Kazakhstan.

The president had highlighted the need to explore possibilities of cooperation and joint ventures in sectors like food processing, textile, machinery and equipment, construction and infrastructure.