April 22, 2007	Sunday	Rabi-us-Sani 04, 1428

ISLAMABAD, April 21: Pakistan and Kazakhstan have signed a protocol to enhance economic cooperation in various sectors to enhance the volume of bilateral trade, besides holding single-country exhibitions on reciprocal basis.

The other areas, where the two countries would extend cooperation under the protocol include science and technology, education, communications, environment, tourism and water and power sectors.

The two sides also agreed to exchange trade delegations within the frameworks of trade exhibitions, fairs, conferences and seminars in their respective countries.

It was further agreed that a single country exhibition of Pakistani products would be held in September in Almaty and one for Kazakhstan products in Pakistan in October this year.

The protocol was signed after the conclusion of the 6th Session of the Pakistan-Kazakhstan Joint Ministerial Commission (JMC) held in Astana from April 18-20, according to official announcement issued here by Water and Power Ministry.

Pakistani delegation was led by Minister for Water and Power Liaquat Ali Jatoi whereas the Kazakh vice-Minister for Transport and Communications Abelgazi Kussainov headed his team.

Both sides recognised the need of direct air link. In this regard the aviation authorities would consider economic expediency with the purpose of establishment of regular air service between the two countries.

It was also agreed to cooperate in the sphere of agriculture production technologies including supply of Kazakhstan grain and other plant production on mutually beneficial terms. Both sides agreed to develop cooperation in SMEs including the establishment of joint enterprises.

Mr Jatoi urged the Kazakhstan side to relax its visa regime to facilitate the travel of Pakistanis desirous of visiting Kazakhstan for business and trade purposes.