Tajikistan has proposed second meeting of Pak-Tajik Joint Ministerial Commission (JMC) for last week of October to finalise import of electricity to Pakistan, restoration of air links and other matters of mutual interest and bilateral trade.
This was stated by Tajik Ambassador Saidov Saidbeg Boykhonovich at a meeting with Federal Minister for Water and Power Liaquat Ali Jatoi here on Friday.
Both agreed that the dates for second Joint Ministerial Commission would be finalised after mutual understanding between concerned officials of the two countries.
The Tajik envoy underlined the need for broad-based relations and, in this connection, the process to remove the visa restrictions for Pakistani students was also being expedited.
Jatoi said that there was need for early restoration of direct air link between Pakistan and Tajikistan to facilitate the business community and enhance economic and tourism activities between the two countries. He added that decisions taken in the previous meeting should be implemented.
He also informed Saidbeg that National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) would soon open its branch in Dushanbe. The Ambassador also discussed other avenues to enhance bilateral trade.
Meanwhile, Japan Ambassador Seiji Kojima also called on the Minister for Power and discussed matters of mutual interest and economic co-operation. He expressed interest of Japanese companies in the power sector and discussed in detail the prospects of investment in this sector, procedural requirements and incentives for investors. He also discussed with the Minister the reforms and restructuring in Wapda.
The Minister briefed him about the restructuring plan of Wapda, rehabilitation of system, reduction in the line losses, and independence of Discos. He said there was no restriction on setting up of thermal power plants and 16 IPPs are working in safe, secure and friendly investment environment.