Islamabad (TDI): Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Pakistan, Yerzhan Kistafin, visited the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) and held a productive meeting with ICCI’s President Nasir Mansoor Qureshi.
The chamber’s executive members were also present during the meeting to discuss avenues for strengthening bilateral trade and investment.
Ambassador Kistafin emphasized Kazakhstan’s position as Pakistan’s largest trade partner in Central Asia and highlighted the immense potential for expanding economic cooperation.
He termed April as a crucial month for bilateral engagements because important meetings are scheduled for the upcoming month, including the Joint Working Group sessions on IT, communication, and agriculture, a Regional Connectivity Session, an Online Commerce Ministers’ Meeting, and a Joint Intergovernmental Commission Meeting.
Islamabad, March 19, 2025 – Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Pakistan H.E. Mr. Yerzhan Kistafinvisited the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI). pic.twitter.com/NUAvPWdG9b
— Embassy of Kazakhstan to Pakistan (@KazEmbassyPK) March 20, 2025
Citing research from the Pakistan Business Council, the Ambassador noted that trade volume between the two countries can easily be increased up to $14 billion.
He identified IT, agriculture, sports goods, textile, and pharmaceuticals as the most promising sectors for mutual trade.
ICCI President Nasir Mansoor Qureshi welcomed the Ambassador’s visit and underscored the ICCI’s commitment to strengthening business-to-business (B2B) connections between Pakistan and Kazakhstan.
He stressed the importance of easing visa regimes and encouraged frequent interactions and travel between the business communities.
He also highlighted the central role of virtual platforms, like Zoom, to foster economic prosperity and kickstart new collaborations.
The Ambassador’s visit underscores Kazakhstan’s growing interest in expanding its partnership with Pakistan’s business community, with ICCI playing a pivotal role in streamlining these efforts.
The meeting concluded with both sides reaffirming their commitment to strengthening economic cooperation through trade partnerships, investment initiatives, and cultural exchange programs.
Kazakhstan is one of the major destinations of Pakistani exports. Over the past five years, its exports to Kazakhstan have increased at an annual rate of 8.92%, from $44.4 million in 2018 to $68.1 million in 2023.
