The Kazakhstan-Pakistan Business Forum Was Held in Islamabad with the Participation of ‘Atameken’ NCE RK

On 4 February 2026, the Kazakhstan-Pakistan Business Forum was held in Islamabad (Islamic Republic of Pakistan), serving as a platform for the development of bilateral trade, economic, and investment cooperation. The event brought together representatives of the business communities of both countries, as well as development institutions and relevant government bodies.

During the forum, Chairman of the Presidium of the Atameken National Chamber of Entrepreneurs of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Kanat Sharlapaev, delivered a keynote address highlighting the strategic importance of Pakistan for Kazakhstan:

“Today’s forum is, in essence, our shared dastarkhan. It is a space where entrepreneurs from both countries meet in an atmosphere of mutual respect, to speak not about intentions, but about opportunities; not about declarations, but about concrete projects,” he noted.

According to him, Kazakhstan views Pakistan as a reliable partner with strong long-term prospects for cooperation. The country possesses a well-developed entrepreneurial culture, significant industrial capacity, and strong human capital. Kazakhstan is ready to offer competitive solutions in such sectors as the agro-industrial complex, food processing, metallurgy, mechanical engineering, and the chemical industry.

Particular attention was paid to tangible practical outcomes already achieved. Kazakh grain supplies to the Pakistani market are stable and long-term, and their quality is highly valued. Major Kazakh exporters to Pakistan include Food Contract Corporation JSC (grain and cereals), Astyk Trans LLP (wheat, flour), KAZFOOD PRODUCTS (milling products), KazAzot JSC (mineral fertilizers), ERG (ferroalloys), Kazakhmys JSC (copper products), KAZ Minerals (non-ferrous metals), Kaustik LLP (chemical products), Qarmet JSC (metal products), as well as KEGOC Services JSC/machine-building companies (industrial equipment). These supplies form a solid foundation for further expansion of cooperation in processing, logistics, and long-term contracting.

During the forum, the Atameken National Chamber of Entrepreneurs of Kazakhstan and the Chamber of International Commerce of Kazakhstan proposed specific steps to enhance cooperation. These include the joint development of a list of priority export and import goods, regular exchange of commercial offers through the Kazakhstan-Pakistan Business Council, the organization of targeted B2B meetings and online negotiations, and transaction and project facilitation under a “one-stop shop” principle.

Summing up the forum, the parties noted growing interest among entrepreneurs in joint projects and a transition from one-off transactions to systematic cooperation. Improving logistics routes and optimizing transit opportunities remain key priorities.

Kanat Sharlapaev emphasized that the effectiveness of international cooperation is measured by concrete results, signed contracts, sustainable partnerships, and real benefits for business: “We are confident that with this format of engagement, Kazakhstan-Pakistan business cooperation will develop consistently and deliver tangible practical benefits to enterprises in both countries,” he stated.

It should be noted that during the visit, a number of meetings were held with leading companies and organizations. These included discussions with Khalid N. Awan, Chairman of the transport company TCS; Syed Farukh Hassan, Senior Manager Sales of the National Logistics Corporation NLC-DP; M. Waseem Yousaf, Managing Director of Buraq Tractor (PVT) LTD, a company specializing in the production of agricultural machinery; Tahir Khan, Director of the textile factory Arthatex Premium Fabric Company; and Muhammad Ashraf, Deputy General Manager of the engineering company EDB, as well as representatives of the leather industry. A separate meeting was also held with Rao Khalid Mahmood Khan, Honorary Consul of the Republic of Kazakhstan in the Punjab Province. During the B2B meetings, a substantive and constructive exchange of views took place on the development of trade and economic cooperation, logistics, industrial cooperation, and the expansion of business ties. The parties expressed mutual interest in further deepening cooperation and agreed to continue working contacts and jointly elaborate on promising areas of interaction.

In addition, as part of the Kazakhstan-Pakistan Business Forum, a Memorandum of Understanding was also signed between the Chamber of International Commerce of Kazakhstan and TCS Logistics (Private) Limited. The document aims to foster business cooperation between Kazakhstan and Pakistan, including in trade, logistics, warehouse infrastructure, and cross-border transportation. The signing of the memorandum formalized the parties’ intentions to explore promising projects jointly and created a practical foundation for further expansion of bilateral business ties.