Pakistan wants to have stronger relations with Turkmenistan. Lack of direct cargo links, safe and direct land routes, knowledge of Pakistani products and visa facilitation are the main hindrances hampering trade growth between the two countries.

Efforts are being made to overcome these issues and strengthen trade by enhanced market access, trade promotion and facilitation. Bilateral trade between the two countries is $25 million.

Turkmenistan’s textile industry is being developed with a special focus on production of export quality products. Currently 80 per cent of the country’s textile products are exported. The country seeks Pakistani investment in various sectors to cash in on the opportunities that the emerging market presents since Pakistan has a complete chain of industries in the textile sector.

The two countries have decided to pay special attention to establishing air, road and rail links on a priority basis. Pakistan is keen to see Turkmenistan join the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) in order to promote linkages with the southern port of Gwadar and the Arabian Sea. The western route of CPEC would provide landlocked countries of Central Asia the shortest trading route with east Asia.

CPEC has been compared in significance to the great trade route discoveries of the world.