ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has initiated efforts to strengthen trade and connectivity cooperation with the Russia-led Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), as Islamabad looks to diversify its export destinations and enhance its role as a regional transit corridor.
According to an official statement, Pakistan’s Ambassador to Russia, Faisal Niaz Tirmizi, met Andrey Slepnev, the EAEU Minister responsible for trade, at the organisation’s secretariat in Moscow. The discussions focused on expanding cooperation in trade, investment and business-to-business engagement.
During the meeting, the ambassador highlighted Pakistan’s interest in building deeper economic relations with the EAEU and exploring practical mechanisms to facilitate trade flows between the two sides.
The Eurasian Economic Union is a regional economic bloc comprising Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Armenia and Kyrgyzstan. It operates as a customs union, coordinating tariff policies and trade regulations among member states.
Pakistan has been seeking to broaden its trade footprint beyond traditional Western and Gulf markets, as part of a wider strategy to boost exports and improve foreign exchange inflows. Officials see growing potential in expanding commercial links with Central Asian and Eurasian economies.
Connectivity and transit trade also featured prominently in the discussions. Pakistan has offered access to its Arabian Sea ports to support regional trade routes connecting Central Asia with South Asia and the Middle East.
Both sides expressed readiness to continue dialogue aimed at strengthening economic engagement. No timelines or formal agreements were announced following the meeting.
