CASA-1000 power project: Zardari, Rahmon agree to fast-track implementation

Pakistan and Tajikistan on Wednesday agreed to fast-track implementation of the CASA-1000 mega project for importing power from Tajikistan and work together for building a trade and energy corridor through Central Asia. They also agreed to explore joint ventures in energy, pharmaceutical, textiles and manufacturing sectors.
The agreement to this effect came during the bilateral meeting between President Zardari and Tajikistan''s President Emomali Rahmon here on Wednesday. The meeting was also attended by Defence Minister Chaudhry Ahmad Mukhtar, Foreign Secretary Salman Bashir, Special Secretary Haroon Shaukat and Ambassador Khalid Khattak.
The President said that a speedy implementation of the recently concluded trade and transit agreement between the two countries would open avenues for co-operation with other counties in the region also. The President also called for conclusion of a preferential trade agreement to further promote trade between the two countries, which was presently very low being 6.5 million dollars per year only.
To step up trade President Zardari offered his Tajikistan counterpart, Pakistan''s readiness to meet the cement needs of Tajikistan. The two sides also decided to revitalise the joint economic commission and explore a trilateral trade agreement with Afghanistan.
They also decided to pursue with Afghanistan, the road project linking Pakistan to Tajikistan and beyond. The proposed road will pass through Durra Pass and the Wakhan Strip in Afghanistan. Pakistan has already completed feasibility of the portion of the road on its side. The Tajik President said that the World Bank was optimistic about the CASA-1000 project and said that Tajikistan will step up work on it.
President Emomali Rahmon expressed sympathies and condolence over the deaths and destruction caused by floods in Pakistan and called upon the international community to help Pakistan overcome the devastating situation of the floods. President Zardari also invited Tajik President to visit Pakistan which the latter accepted.