Dushanbe, December 28, 2025 – The Europe Today: Pakistan’s Ambassador to Tajikistan, Muhammad Saeed Sarwar, on Saturday said that a Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) between Pakistan and Tajikistan is a strong possibility, underscoring the importance of trade liberalization in promoting regional economic integration.
The ambassador said that bilateral trade between the two countries could reach up to $300 million in the coming years, with business communities on both sides playing a key role in connecting potential sectors. He was speaking during a joint interactive session with an eight-member Pakistani media delegation and local businessmen at the Embassy of Pakistan in Dushanbe.
Highlighting sectoral opportunities, Ambassador Sarwar pointed to significant potential in the halal meat industry, noting that Pakistan plans to export 143,000 tons of halal meat worth $14.5 million to Tajikistan, which would further expand trade in halal products.
On the issue of direct flights between the two countries, the ambassador stressed the need for effective marketing strategies and the involvement of travel agents to ensure their regular operation. He said that the resumption of direct flights would not only facilitate trade and economic activities but also promote tourism between Pakistan and Tajikistan.
Describing Tajikistan as a key trade partner for Pakistan, the envoy said the country plays an important role in regional economic integration. He added that Central Asian nations, including Tajikistan, are vital to Pakistan’s economic outlook, with both sides ready to deepen future trade and economic cooperation.
Ambassador Sarwar also highlighted Tajikistan’s strong economic performance, citing an annual GDP growth rate of around 8 percent as evidence of its rapidly expanding economy.
Referring to growing diplomatic engagement, he noted that high-level visits between the two countries continue, including Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif’s visit to Tajikistan in May this year. He also welcomed the recent inauguration of the first-ever Tajik Cultural Week in Islamabad by Tajikistan’s Minister of Culture, calling it a significant step toward strengthening people-to-people and cultural ties.
“Pakistan and Tajikistan share deep commonalities in faith, history, culture and literature,” the ambassador said, adding that Pakistan was among the first countries to recognize Tajikistan’s independence and establish diplomatic relations.
He emphasized that the two nations enjoy strong historical, cultural, social, linguistic and religious bonds, and reaffirmed that the Embassy of Pakistan remains committed to further enhancing academic and educational cooperation between Pakistan and Tajikistan.
