BAHAWALPUR: Ambassador of Kazakhstan in Pakistan Lancy Yarzahan Kastafan has emphasized friendly and brotherly relationship between Pakistan and Kazakhstan, highlighting their potential to jointly contribute to the overall development and progress in the region and Central Asia.

He said this during his response to the welcome address presented by Chaudhry Zulfiqar Ali Mann, Bahawalpur Chamber of Commerce and Industry president, on Wednesday.

The visiting diplomat stated that there are ample investment opportunities and potential for collaboration between south Punjab areas and Kazakhstan.

Discussing the prospects for trade between the two sides, the ambassador said that Pakistani products, in terms of quality and prices, are highly suitable for his country.

In order to promote bilateral trade, he said that Kazakhstan has established a “Kazakhstan House” in Lahore, providing firsthand information on trade matters and investment opportunities to interested Pakistani investors.

He also revealed that Pakistani mangoes, peaches, and citrus fruits are highly appreciated in Kazakhstan.

About the textile sector, the ambassador said that while Pakistan is ranked 10th globally in the industry, Kazakhstan is making significant progress in promoting its textile industry. He believed that Kazakhstan could learn a lot from Pakistan in this sector.

Additionally, he mentioned that Kazakhstan ranks among the top ten wheat-exporting countries worldwide, presenting an opportunity for Kazakhstan to serve as a regional hub in Western Asia for Pakistan.

The foreign diplomat shared plans to establish a regional business council in Kazakhstan, where all chambers of commerce from Pakistan, including Bahawalpur, would have representation to foster closer trade relations between the two countries and promote trade and industry.

He also expressed Kazakhstan’s interest in working closely with Pakistan to boost tourism in both nations, extending an invitation to the members of the chamber to visit Kazakhstan, with the assurance of facilitating their trips.

Published in Dawn, June 1st, 2023