Moscow: Senior officials from Pakistan and Russia convened in Moscow on October 3, 2024, to discuss expanding bilateral trade and investment, focusing on initiatives like the TAPI gas pipeline, improved transport communications, and a proposed rail track. The meeting saw Federal Minister for Board of Investment, Privatization and Communications, Abdul Aleem Khan, engage with Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexey Overchuk and other key ministers.

According to Press Information Department, the discussions highlighted several major projects, including the North-South International Transport Corridor, which Deputy Prime Minister Overchuk noted would enhance the trade route connecting Eurasia to North and South countries. The talks also covered the bilateral trade potential and proposed trade routes involving Pakistan, Iran, Azerbaijan, and Russia.

The engagement coincided with the 3-day Business and Trade Investment Forum held in Moscow, which Deputy Prime Minister Overchuk described as a significant step forward in fostering bilateral relations. He praised the participation of 70 major Pakistani companies under the leadership of Minister Abdul Aleem Khan, marking the forum as a milestone for future collaborations.

Minister Abdul Aleem Khan expressed Pakistan’s desire to deepen trade relationships with Russia and encouraged Russian enterprises to invest in Pakistan. He highlighted the productive discussions with the Moscow Chamber of Commerce and the broader business community, which are expected to yield encouraging outcomes.

The forum concluded with Minister Khan outlining his strategic vision to increase Pakistan’s exports to Russia to $4.16 billion over the next five years, focusing on key sectors such as textiles, surgical instruments, food, agriculture, and leather products. Both nations agreed to address mutual economic challenges through a unified strategy, aiming to strengthen their trade ties significantly in the coming years.