ISLAMABAD: Federal Planning Minister, Development and Special Initiatives Professor Ahsan Iqbal on Saturday underscored the urgency of finalizing the Pakistan-Turkmenistan Transit Trade Agreement, calling it a critical step for unlocking new regional trade corridors and deepening economic integration across Central and South Asia.
In a meeting with Pakistan’s Ambassador-designate to Turkmenistan, Dr. Faryal Leghari, the minister said Turkmenistan’s proximity to Afghanistan makes it Pakistan’s nearest gateway to Central Asia. “Leveraging this geography can unlock unprecedented economic corridors,” he noted, adding that the agreement would help improve bilateral trade and promote long-term regional connectivity.
Pakistan’s imports from Turkmenistan currently stand at $3.69 million, while exports remain minimal. The minister said the trade gap can be narrowed by improving logistics and encouraging sector-specific exports, particularly marble, agriculture products, and IT services.
“Pakistan has one of the richest varieties of marble in the world,” the minister said, citing his visit to Ashgabat. “Turkmenistan, which currently imports marble from Vietnam, can benefit from direct imports from Pakistan.”
The two also discussed establishing direct air cargo routes to support agricultural exports, especially Pakistani mangoes, fruits, vegetables, and rice. Dr. Leghari agreed, emphasizing that direct flights could enhance perishable trade, noting Pakistan’s status as the fifth-largest mango producer globally.
The minister also reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to the Turkmenistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan–India (TAPI) gas pipeline, highlighting its strategic importance in linking Central Asia with Europe. He emphasized the potential of Pakistan’s Gwadar and Karachi ports in boosting Turkmen trade outreach.
Both sides expressed interest in hosting a joint business expo to connect Pakistani and Turkmen businesses and investors.
In addition, they agreed on launching a student exchange program to strengthen academic ties and foster bilateral understanding in areas like political science, engineering, and digital technology.
Dr. Leghari, a political geography researcher from the University of Oxford, said she would use her academic background to navigate complex geopolitical dynamics. The minister noted that her understanding of regional geography would be an asset in fostering strategic diplomacy.
On digital trade, the minister said Pakistan, ranked fourth globally in freelancing by the World Bank’s 2023 Digital Economy Report, is prepared to export IT services to Turkmenistan. “Our youth, possessing competitive digital skills, can provide critical support to Turkmenistan’s growing IT and service sector needs,” he said.
He also said digital transformation remains a core objective of the Uraan Pakistan Economic Plan, under which bilateral tech partnerships will be encouraged.
The meeting concluded with acknowledgment of Turkmenistan’s 30th Anniversary of Neutrality. The minister confirmed Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s visit to Ashgabat later this year to mark the occasion and reinforce Pakistan’s commitment to regional peace, connectivity, and cooperation.
