As a result of Pakistan’s admission to the International Transport of Goods (TIR) Convention, new avenues of regional commerce have opened up, and bilateral trade between Pakistan and Central Asian countries is increasing.
Pakistani exporters have begun shipping Halal beef to Uzbekistan by land, taking advantage of the potential for commerce with Central Asian countries.
On Wednesday, the first consignment, containing 18 tonnes of beef, was delivered to Tashkent. Sheikh Yaqub, the Parliamentary Secretary for Economic Affairs, was present at the time of shipment.
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This effort has been made possible through Pak-Uzbekistan trade transit
We are pleased to share that the first shipment of 18 MT of Halal meat from 🇵🇰 has been dispatched from Karachi to Tashkent 🇺🇿 (Uzbekistan). It would reach Tashkent within a week.
MOC’s Silk Route Reconnect policy for Central Asia Republics (CARs) & beyond is now bearing 1/2— Abdul Razak Dawood (@razak_dawood) March 10, 2022
According to Malik Sher Khan, CEO of the Shaheen Group, there is a large market for Halal food in Central Asia, and TIR has made it simpler for Pakistan to enter the region.
“In one month, 900 tons of meat will be shipped to Tashkent via Torkham in 50 consignments of 18 tons each,” he said. “A consignment takes eight days to reach Tashkent from Pakistan.”
He said he was in talks with Uzbekistan about exporting meat to Tajikistan.
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The meat will reach Tashkent within a week
He said that all roads from Pakistan to Tashkent had been inspected and that Torkham was entirely safe and connected to all Central Asian states.
“Increase in bilateral trade with Central Asian states will facilitate freight services and push down fares,” he said. “Containers carrying meat from Pakistan return to the country with cotton.”
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He noted that the containers were able to reach Central Asia due to strict adherence to the axle load standards in Pakistan. “This system is being improved further at the government level, which will benefit exports.”