ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI), a leading global business institution, marked a significant milestone by organizing the Pakistan-Tajikistan Business Forum in Islamabad. This high-profile event was graced by Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan, Tajikistan’s Minister for Energy and Water Resources Jum’a Daler Shofaqir, CEO of the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) Mohammad Zubair Motiwala, Tajikistan’s Ambassador to Pakistan Sharifzoda Yusuf, Additional Secretary Ministry of Commerce, Nasir Hamid, Director general Muhammad Naseer ICCI President Nasir Mansoor Qureshi, senior officials from the Commerce Ministry, TDAP, and key business leaders from both nations.
In their addresses, Ministers Jam Kamal Khan and Jum’a Daler Shofaqir presented an in-depth analysis of investment opportunities in Pakistan and Tajikistan. They highlighted proactive measures taken by the respective governments to attract foreign investments, including lucrative incentives tailored for global enterprises. The ministers expressed optimism that business leaders would capitalize on these opportunities, fostering economic growth and mutual prosperity.
The forum’s hallmark was the dynamic B2B meetings hosted at the ICCI, where two hundred business leaders from Pakistan and Tajikistan exchanged insights on their investment landscapes and explored pathways for collaboration. These engagements paved the way for promising agreements aimed at shared economic advancement.
ICCI President Nasir Mansoor Qureshi, in his vote of thanks, lauded the forum as a transformative platform for strengthening bilateral trade and people-to-people connections. He reiterated ICCI’s unwavering commitment to promoting business partnerships through exchange programs and expos designed to showcase the diverse opportunities available in both countries. Calling for actionable outcomes, he remarked, “Let us translate these meaningful discussions into tangible partnerships that drive mutual growth and prosperity.”
During the souvenir exchange ceremony, Qureshi emphasized the historical and cultural bonds uniting Pakistan and Tajikistan. On his suggestion that a direct flight between the two countries will go a long way in strengthening the existing relations, the Tajik Minister said that soon this air flight will commence to do the needful. He recalled Pakistan’s recognition of Tajikistan’s independence in 1991 and underscored the strategic significance of the Wakhan Corridor as a critical link between the two countries. Offering Islamabad’s full support for its development, he urged both nations to explore new areas of cooperation in trade, energy, agriculture, education, and industry. Qureshi highlighted Pakistan’s strategic location as a gateway to Central and West Asia, underscoring its potential as a hub for Tajik investments and regional trade under the Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) framework.
Qureshi reaffirmed ICCI’s resolve to deepen collaboration with Tajik business chambers to achieve the forum’s objectives. He stressed the importance of frequent business delegations, tourism promotion, and hosting joint expos and pavilions to strengthen bilateral ties. Reflecting on the forum’s success, he commended the dedication of both business communities, expressing confidence in a future marked by fruitful partnerships and shared prosperity.
