ISLAMABAD, Dec 22 (INP-WealthPK): Kazakhstan Ambassador Yerzhan Kistafin has said that Pakistan is an attractive market for foreign investors as its leather, shoe, textile, steel, food, pharmaceuticals and agriculture sectors have great potential for joint ventures between the private sectors of the two countries. He stated this while speaking at a meeting of the All Pakistan Business Forum (APBF), which was held to discuss the proposed launch of ‘Kazakhstan Pakistan Trade & Economic Window’ (KPTEW). APBF secretary general Khurram Niaz Khan gave a detailed presentation on various aspects and features of KPTEW. APBF President Syed Maaz Mahmood, its board members, including ex-regional chairman of Federation of Pakistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry Manzoor Malik, APBF Lahore board President Amir Munir, M Naeem Chaudhry, Yaqoob Saifi and senior officials of Embassy of Kazakhstan were also in attendance. Mr Kistafin appreciated the efforts of APBF to launch the KPTEW, calling for the two countries to explore untapped trade potential through the initiative to become key trading partners. He said the launch of KPTEW will prove to be very beneficial for the business communities of both countries, having a positive and long-term impact on their economies. “Tourism can prove to be a great opportunity for both countries, bringing the two peoples closer,” he added. Mr Kistafin said Kazakh companies have keen interests in establishing partnerships with the businesses in Pakistan. He also expressed his willingness to sign a memorandum of understanding with APBF for further close working relationship and to enhance bilateral trade and investment opportunities. The Kazakh envoy said Pakistan could enhance exports to his country in the areas of pharmaceuticals, garments, value-added textiles, leather items, furniture, auto parts, ceramics, fruits, vegetables as these have great potential in Kazakhstan. Speaking on the occasion, APBF President Syed Maaz Mahmood said Pakistan had a favourable trade balance with Kazakhstan as exports stood at $79.7 million in 2020-21 compared to meagre imports of just $2.5 million. “This puts the total volume of trade at around $82 million, which needs to be enhanced further,” he demanded. Mr Mahmood suggested both countries focus on establishing air, road and railway links in order to boost two-way trade. “Regular exchange of trade delegations and holding single-country exhibitions on a reciprocal basis is necessary to identify new areas of mutual cooperation.” Mr Mahmood recommended the two countries to take initiatives to enhance trade and investments in textile and cotton products, pharmaceuticals and food items, engineering equipment and machinery, and construction enterprises. He said there is a paradigm shift in Central Asia to further enhance regional connectivity through greater regional cooperation and socioeconomic integration. “There is an urgent need that both the countries institutionalise all possible measures to further strengthen their bilateral relations.” Mr Mahmood said the scope and horizon of diplomatic relations between the two countries are diversified and dynamic, due to both the countries have been sharing better political understandings right from the beginning. The APBF president thanked the Kazakh envoy for showing great interest in bringing the business community of the two countries closer. He congratulated the diplomat for conducting a successful Kazakhstan-Pakistan Business Forum last month in his country. He said APBF had achieved the high goal of bringing the business communities of two countries closer.