Protocol inked with Kazakhstan

Pakistan and Kazakhstan signed a protocol to enhance co-operation in the fields of trade, economic, science and technology, education, communications, environment, tourism, and water and power sectors, officials said on Saturday.
The two sides agreed to exchange trade delegations within the framework of trade exhibitions, fairs, conferences, and seminars in their respective countries, an official statement said. These decisions were signed after the conclusion of the sixth session of the Pakistan-Kazakhstan Joint Ministerial Commission (JMC) held in Astana from April 18 to 20, according to details received here from Almaty.
Both sides also agreed that a single country exhibition of Pakistani products would be held in September in Almaty and one for Kazakhstani products in Pakistan in October this year.
The Pakistani delegation was led by Water and Power Minister Liaquat Ali Jatoi whereas Kazakh Transport and Communication Vice Minister Abelgazi Kassainov headed his team. In their opening remarks, the heads of the two delegations highlighted the excellent and long-standing relations between Pakistan and Kazakhstan, characterised by a spirit of brotherhood and solidarity and reaffirmed the commitment of their respective countries to further promote the existing bilateral co-operation.
Liaquat Ali Jatoi underlined the need for enhancing co-operation in the fields of trade, economic, scientific, technical, water and power sectors, and tourism. While pointing out the existing volume of trade between the two countries the minister stressed the need for enhancing it further reflecting the true potential of the two countries.
He also emphasised the need for exploring the possibilities of intensive co-operation in the context of Pakistani experience of IPPs. The Kazakhstan side was requested to relax its visa regime to facilitate the travel of Pakistanis desirous of visiting Kazakhstan for business and trade purposes.
Both sides recognised the need for direct air link between Pakistan and Kazakhstan. In this regard, the aviation authorities from both sides would consider economic expediency with the purpose of establishment of regular air service between the two countries.
Both the parties also agreed to co-operate in the sphere of agriculture products technologies, including supply of Kazakhstan grain and other plant production on mutually beneficial terms. It was also agreed to develop co-operation in SMEs, including the establishment of joint enterprises.
The two sides agreed to continue co-operation in the fields of technological innovation and services between the appropriate Kazakhstan institutes and the National Museum of Science and Technologies (Lahore) and the National Institute of Scientific and Technological Education (Islamabad).
It was also agreed that the Joint Ministerial Commission meetings should be held more frequently. Jatoi extended an invitation to his counterpart to visit Pakistan for the next JMC meeting that would be held in 2009 at mutually convenient dates.