The Eight Session of Pakistan – Kazakhstan Intergovernmental Commission (IGC) on Trade, Economic, Scientific, Technological and Cultural Cooperation was held in Astana on 05-06 November 2015.

Pakistan delegation was headed by Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Resources Jam Kamal Khan. The Kazakh side was led by Deputy Foreign Minister Mr. Askar Mussinov. Representatives of different Ministries of both countries and Ambassadors of Pakistan and Kazakhstan assisted their respective delegations.

The IGC reviewed whole range of economic cooperation that included trade and investment, transport and communications, agriculture, industry, energy, healthcare, environmental protection, information & broadcasting, civil aviation, tourism and training of diplomats.

The IGC referring to Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s recent landmark visit to Kazakhstan, reviewed progress on various decisions taken during the visit.

Both sides agreed to identify flagship project for mutual cooperation in energy and communication sector and to hold Joint Business Council meeting during the first half of 2016. The Kazakh side acknowledged the potential of China – Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) for the economic upliftment of the region. Both sides also agreed to explore ways to enhance connectivity through all possible means for the promotion of trade and investment.

On conclusion of the two days session a Protocol was signed by the Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Resources of Pakistan and Deputy Foreign Minister of Kazakhstan.

The IGC was held in a warm and cordial atmosphere reflecting the traditionally close relations between Pakistan and Kazakhstan. The two sides agreed to hold the Ninth Session of the IGC in the year 2017 in Islamabad.