On 20 January 2023, the 8th meeting of the Intergovernmental Commission on Trade, Economic and Scientific and Technical Cooperation between the Russian Federation and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan was held in Islamabad.

20 January 2023

On 20 January 2023, the 8th meeting of the Intergovernmental Commission on Trade, Economic and Scientific and Technical Cooperation between the Russian Federation and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan was held in Islamabad. The event was attended by high-level representatives from both countries, including ministers, officials and business. From Pakistan, the Federal Minister of Economy, Sardar Aayaz Sadik, addressed the Intergovernmental Commission. The Russian delegation was led by Energy Minister Nikolai Shulginov. The meeting was an important milestone in the development of bilateral relations aimed at strengthening cooperation in various spheres.

Trade, energy, agriculture and transport were the main focus. The Parties discussed prospects for increasing bilateral trade and investment, as well as agreed on new energy projects, including continuing work on the construction of the gas pipeline «Pakistan Stream». The Russian side also proposed to expand cooperation in the field of peaceful atomic energy, noting that Russia is willing to share its technologies to improve Pakistan’s energy infrastructure.

The meeting focused on scientific and technical cooperation. Both countries expressed interest in developing joint research, exchange of technologies and creating conditions for cooperation between educational and scientific institutions. An important step in this direction was the signing of a number of agreements aimed at supporting joint research projects and student exchange.

Transport and logistics were also discussed, where Russia and Pakistan see potential for further collaboration, including through the development of a transport corridor initiative that could improve regional trade.

Several memoranda of understanding were signed during the meeting, concerning the expansion of cooperation in areas such as information technology, agriculture and finance. Representatives of both sides stressed the importance of continuous dialogue and readiness to deepen relations, which will contribute not only to strengthening economic ties, but also political stability in the region.

The meeting’s outcome showed that Russia and Pakistan intend to further develop bilateral cooperation, using the opportunities of the Intergovernmental Commission as an effective platform for discussing and implementing joint projects. The parties agreed to hold a next meeting in Moscow in 2024, where it is planned to discuss the results of the decisions taken and to outline new areas of cooperation.