Pakistan’s proposed Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) with Tajikistan has been postponed after Tajik authorities expressed concerns over potential revenue losses.
The issue arose during the third session of the Pakistan-Tajikistan Joint Working Group on Trade, Investment, and Transport, held virtually after a four-year hiatus. Pakistan noted that draft texts had been shared in prior discussions, but Tajikistan said it is not ready to finalize the deal. Instead, it suggested creating a mid-term roadmap for economic cooperation before pursuing a formal agreement.
Both countries also highlighted discrepancies in bilateral trade data. Pakistan reported trade of $29 million for FY 2024–25, while Tajikistan recorded $43.02 million, signaling inconsistencies in reporting.
Discussions covered regional connectivity, including the Pakistan-China-Tajikistan road corridor. Pakistan noted that Tajikistan has not formally joined the Quadrilateral Agreement on Transit Transport, while Tajik officials requested clarity on customs procedures.
The two sides explored cooperation in pharmaceuticals, textiles, and agriculture, including joint ventures and an agro-logistics center. They also agreed to enhance digital trade links and hold regular meetings to promote trade growth.
