The issue of restoring direct air links between Kazakhstan and Pakistan was discussed in Almaty during the second Tian Shan Forum on economic cooperation in Central Asia. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Sputnik Kazakhstan.
The matter was raised at a meeting between Deputy Prime Minister – Minister of National Economy Serik Zhumangarin and Pakistan's Federal Minister for Investment Kayser Ahmed Sheikh, according to the Ministry of National Economy.
"Zhumangarin noted the importance of restoring direct air links between Kazakhstan and Pakistan. This will contribute to the development of business, tourism and humanitarian ties," the statement said.
At the meeting, the parties also discussed expanding trade and economic cooperation, attracting investment and strengthening ties in the transport and logistics sector.
In particular, the potential for increasing trade between Kazakhstan and Pakistan is estimated at about $645 million across 218 commodity items.
In addition, the sides considered the prospects of the CASA railway project passing through Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Afghanistan and Pakistan.
As part of the forum, Serik Zhumangarin also met with the leadership of the Asian Development Bank and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank to discuss financing infrastructure projects in Kazakhstan.