With the Pakistani government setting a steep target of $60 billion for exports by 2027-28, the South Asian country is eyeing new markets in Central Asia, with neighboring Afghanistan on top of its list.
On Tuesday, Pakistan Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan held a meeting with his ministry's officials in Islamabad wherein he highlighted the increasing prospects of trade with Afghanistan and other Central Asian states, as per the Islamic nation's public service broadcaster Pakistan Radio.
During the meeting, the minister highlighted Pakistan's strengths in sectors like fisheries, minerals, mining, gems, and agro-products, which he reckoned should be utilised to increase exports.
"Export potential to Afghanistan and Central Asian countries could be significantly increased by addressing political and connectivity challenges," Pakistan Radio quoted him as telling the officials of the ministry.
It is worth noting that ties between Pakistan and Afghanistan are experiencing friction at present, with Kabul repeatedly rebuffing Islamabad over the issue of terrorist safe havens in the war-torn country.
This has even impacted trade between the two nations, particularly due to the closing of border entry/exit points for truckers that transport goods from one country to the other.