Exports to central Asian states fall 17pc in July-Dec

Pakistan’s exports to five central Asian countries (CACs) contracted 17 per cent during the first half of 2024-25. The country’s exports to the region have yet to attain their full potential. Similarly, imports from Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan to Pakistan have increased significantly despite regular high-profile visits to balance the trade deficit. In absolute terms, the value of Pakistan’s exports to the five central Asian countries — Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan — dipped by 17.02pc to $90.84 million in July-December 2024-25 from $109.479m during the same period last year. Imports from the region increased by $8.91m to $136.64m in 6MFY25 from $127.73m during the same period last year. The majority of these imports came from Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan.