RAWALPINDI, July 29: Kazakhstan is a heaven for Pakistani investors and businessmen should avail the opportunity in exploiting the potential in a country which is full of mineral resources and one of the rapidly emerging economic power.

This was stated by Charge D’ affaires of Embassy of Kazakshtan Gali Shaimakov during his visit to Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI).

During the visit, he held discussions with the chamber office-bearers and the business community people to explore possibilities for the enhancement of trade relations. He also spoke on the possibility of land route usage for Pakistan-Kazakhstan trade.

Upon his arrival, Gali Shaimakov, who was accompanied by other Kazakh Embassy officials, was welcomed by the RCCI senior vice-president, Jalil Ahmed Malik, Vice President Syed Asad Mashhadi and members of RCCI executive committee members.

In his welcome address, RCCI SVP Jalil Malik said it was unfortunate that trade ties between Pakistan and Kazakhstan would not be translated in to the desired level despite the cordial political relations prevailing between the two brotherly countries, enjoying a lot of commonalities.

He said private sector from both sides should come forward to play role in enhancing the trade volume between the two countries.

He announced that a trade delegation of RCCI would visit Almatay shortly.

He said Kazakh investors should also come to Pakistan for taping the most favourable investment opportunities in various sectors.

Gali Shaimakov while answering a number of queries by the participants said the Kazakhstan government was very keen to enhance the trade volume between Pakistan and Kazakhstan.

He said at present Pakistan-Kazakhstan trade volume was only 10 million dollars while the Kazakhstan’s trade with India and China had reached the figures of 100 million dollars and 500 million dollars respectively.

He said Pakistan and Kazakhstan would soon discuss the preferential trade agreement to ease the restrictions on the import and export. He said trade between the two countries would be more facilitated once Kazakhstan also joins the WTO.—APP