Government endeavors to expedite the conclusion of TTA agreements with Turkmenistan
Islamabad: Urgent Push for Finalizing Transit Trade Agreement with Turkmenistan
In a meeting on Saturday, the Federal Minister for Planning underscored the strategic importance of accelerating the early finalization of the Pakistan-Turkmenistan Transit Trade Agreement. The agreement, he believes, paves the way for broader regional connectivity and economic integration.
The newly-appointed Ambassador-designate to Turkmenistan, Dr Faryal Leghari, was the guest in the meeting. Discussions revolved around deepening economic, trade, educational, and infrastructural ties between the two countries, driven by shared regional interests and upcoming diplomatic milestones.
The minister noted that Turkmenistan's proximity to Afghanistan makes it Pakistan's closest link to Central Asia. Leveraging this geography, he believes, could open unprecedented economic corridors. Dr Faryal Leghari, with her educational background in Political Geography from the University of Oxford, expressed her confidence in navigating geopolitical complexities that influence diplomacy.
Turning to the economic front, the minister highlighted a significant trade gap between the two countries. While Pakistan's imports from Turkmenistan stand at $3.69 million, exports are minimal and have a great potential to be increased. To bridge this gap, he suggested addressing logistical challenges.
Both sides expressed interest in organizing a Joint Business Expo, a move aimed at direct business and investor engagement from both nations. The minister particularly emphasized Pakistan's marble industry as a major export opportunity. He stated that Pakistan has one of the richest varieties of marble in the world and suggested that Turkmenistan could benefit significantly by importing quality marble directly from Pakistan.
Additionally, the minister highlighted other high-potential exports, including fruits, vegetables, and rice, stressing the need for establishing direct air connectivity for timely cargo shipments.
The meeting also touched upon the significance of Turkmenistan's 30th Anniversary of Neutrality being observed this year. The Planning Minister expressed that this anniversary, which includes a planned visit from the Prime Minister at the end of the year, would provide a platform for high-level engagement, reinforcing bilateral trust and emphasizing Pakistan's commitment to regional peace and cooperation.
Significant emphasis was also placed on digital transformation, with the minister stating that it is one of Pakistan's key priorities under Uraan Pakistan Economic Plan. The Ambassador-designate expressed strong confidence in exploring partnerships in science and IT fields during her tenure in Turkmenistan.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
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- The minister's emphasis on the importance of the Transit Trade Agreement is in line with ongoing initiatives to improve regional connectivity and economic integration with Central Asia.
- Key regional connectivity projects such as the Turkmenistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan–India (TAPI) gas pipeline and regional fiber optic connectivity initiatives are expected to provide vital energy security and digital connectivity.
- The role of human capital in bilateral development is recognized, with both sides agreeing to initiate a student exchange program and possible IT skills export to Turkmenistan.
- Digital transformation is a priority under Pakistan's Uraan Pakistan Economic Plan.
In the pursuit of Regional connectivity and economic integration, the Minister underlined the potential of the Transit Trade Agreement to serve as a bridge to Central Asia, especially in light of the significant index of economic corridors it could open. The Ambassador-designate, Dr Faryal Leghari, demonstrated her interest in technological advancements, particularly in the field of IT, as she eagerly looks forward to exploring potential partnerships in this area.
