KARACHI: Ambassador of Tajikistan Sharifzoda Yusuf has emphasized the importance of restoring Karachi's former stature as a thriving and secure destination for foreign tourists. During a meeting at the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), the ambassador highlighted the city's vibrant history as a hub for tourists from Central Asia, including Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Russia, during the 1980s and 1990s.
According to Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the ambassador noted that the influx of tourists from Tajikistan and neighboring countries contributed significantly to Karachi's economy, with Tajik tourists alone spending an estimated $10 to $15 million in the city during the 1990s. The meeting was attended by notable figures including Honorary Consul General of Tajikistan Irshad Kassam, KCCI President Muhammad Jawed Bilwani, and other key stakeholders from the business community.
Ambassador Yusuf recounted his personal experiences in Karachi in 1992, describing it as a bustling metropolis with vibrant commercial activity and minimal security concerns. He advocated for reviving this era of prosperity by enhancing trade relations and tourism between Pakistan and Tajikistan. He emphasized the deep cultural and historical ties between the two nations, which are evident in shared heritage sites such as the mausoleums of Sufi saints in Karachi.
The ambassador highlighted Pakistan's competitive advantages in textiles, seafood, and other high-quality products, which have historically been popular in Tajikistan. He encouraged exploring investment opportunities in Tajikistan's textile industry, noting the country's abundant cotton yarn and affordable electricity rates. With Tajikistan's status as one of the top three most peaceful countries globally, he positioned it as an attractive destination for Pakistani investors.
Furthermore, Ambassador Yusuf mentioned upcoming initiatives to strengthen bilateral ties, including the launch of direct flights between Karachi and Tajikistan and a Joint Ministerial Committee meeting scheduled for November 28 in Islamabad. Discussions will include the CASA-1000 project, aimed at bringing electricity from Tajikistan to Pakistan by 2025.
KCCI President Jawed Bilwani acknowledged the potential for enhancing trade volume between the two countries, which currently falls below its potential. He called for diversifying trade and leveraging Tajikistan's position as a leading cotton producer to bolster textile manufacturing and integration. Bilwani also highlighted the CASA-1000 project as a significant opportunity for collaboration, allowing Pakistan to benefit from Tajikistan's expertise in renewable energy and reduce its reliance on costly fuels.