The Pakistani government is set to develop a strategic roadmap to enhance its interaction with Russia, including establishing railroad links between the two countries and securing trade routes to mitigate the threat of US sanctions, according to The Express Tribune.
The proposed roadmap will outline state projects, foster interaction between companies from both countries, promote bilateral trade and investment, and implement mechanisms to ensure the security of trade ties and business operations.
This initiative was discussed at a recent meeting of the Planning Commission of Pakistan. Proposals were presented for critical rail routes linking Pakistan with Russia and Central Asian states. Key projects include the modernization of the Quetta-Taftan main line, the construction of the Kohat-Kharlachi railroad to connect Pakistan with Central Asia through Afghanistan, and the Minelik Express route to access markets in Azerbaijan and Russia.
Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal Chaudhary reviewed the prospects of expanding Pakistan's exports to Russia by leveraging the experience of Turkey and BRICS countries in conducting settlements with Russia in local currency.
The State Bank of Pakistan supported the establishment of a settlement mechanism for Pakistan-Russia trade. The meeting participants also discussed building a metallurgical plant in Sindh with Russian assistance and using Russian expertise in constructing high-voltage power lines.
The Pakistani Foreign Ministry approved prospective areas of multilateral cooperation with Russia. The Ministry proposed sending a Pakistani delegation to Moscow for talks, coinciding with the upcoming meeting of the bilateral Intergovernmental Commission in September in the Russian capital.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: Federation Council
Based on materials from TASS