Pakistan, Kazakhstan signs protocol to enhance cooperation in water, power sector
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Kazakhstan signed a Protocol to enhance cooperation between the two countries in the fields of trade, economic, science and technology, education, communications, environment, tourism and water and power sectors.
The two sides 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.
These decisions were signed after the conclusion of the 6th Session of the Pakistan-Kazakhstan Join Ministerial Commission (JMC) held in Astana on 18-20 April 2007 according to details received here from Almaty Saturday. The Pakistan delegation was led by the Federal Minister for Water and Power, Mr. Liaquat Ali Jatoi whereas the Kazakh vice Minister for Transport and communications Mr. Abelgazi Kussainov headed his team.
In their opening remarks, the heads of the two delegations highlighted the excellent and long-standing relations between Pakistan and Kazakhstan, characterized by a spirit of brotherhood and solidarity and reaffirmed the commitment of their respective countries to further promote the existing bilateral cooperation.
Mr. Liaquat Ali Jatoi underlined the need to enhance cooperation in the fields of trade, economic, scientific, technical, water and power sectors and tourism. While pointing out the existing volume of trade between the two countries, the Minister stressed upon the need to enhance it further, reflecting the true potential of the two countries. He emphasized the need to explore the possibilities of intensive cooperation in the context of Pakistani experience of IPPs. The Kazakhstan side was requested to relax its visa regime to facilitate the travel of Pakistanis, desirous of visiting Kazakhstan for business and trade purposes.
Both sides recognized the need of direct air link between Pakistan and Kazakhstan. In this regard the aviation authorities from both sides would consider economic expediency with the purpose of establishment of regular air service between the two countries.
Both parties also agreed to co-operate in the sphere of agriculture production technologies including supply of Kazakhstani grain and other plant production on mutually beneficial terms. It was also agreed to develop cooperation in SMEs including the establishment of joint enterprises.
The two sides agreed to continue cooperation in the fields of technological innovation and services between the appropriate Kazakhstan institutes and the National Museum of Science and Technologies (Lahore) and the National Institute of Scientific and Technological Education Islamabad.
It was agreed that the Joint Ministerial Commission meetings should be held more frequently. Mr. Jatoi extended an invitation to his counterpart to visit Pakistan for the next JMC meeting that would be held in 2009 at mutually convenient date
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