Ambassador Khorev Highlights Joint Ventures, Trade Opportunities for Sialkot Businesses
A high-level diplomatic engagement took place at the Sialkot Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) on Wednesday in collaboration with Regional Rapport, Islamabad, signaling growing economic cooperation between Pakistan and Russia.
The Chamber welcomed Ambassador of the Russian Federation to Pakistan Albert P. Khorev, accompanied by Trade Representative Denis Nevzorov, Chief of Protocol Sergey Chekalin, Third Secretary Anton Vereshchagin, and Regional Rapport Executive Director Dr. Almas Haider Naqvi.
During the meeting at the SCCI Auditorium, Ambassador Khorev emphasized Russia’s intention to strengthen trade ties with Pakistan by removing barriers and promoting smoother bilateral commerce. He highlighted the potential of Sialkot exporters to capture international markets in Russia with their high-quality traditional and non-traditional products.
The ambassador noted that Pakistan-Russia trade has grown significantly over the past 10 to 15 years, surpassing $1 billion in 2023, and suggested that trade volume could potentially double with the removal of existing hurdles. He referenced the 10th Session of the Pakistan–Russia Intergovernmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific, and Technical Cooperation, held in Islamabad in November 2025, which featured several cultural events and the signing of multiple agreements and MoUs.
Ambassador Khorev also announced that a delegation of Russian businessmen will soon visit Pakistan, opening avenues for direct collaboration in sectors including energy, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, engineering goods, and information technology. He stressed that strong people-to-people connections are vital for lasting bilateral relations, noting that language plays a critical role in understanding culture, building trust, and facilitating trade, investment, education, and diplomacy.
Highlighting the importance of language education, the ambassador encouraged Sialkot universities to join Russian language programs, following initiatives already launched in Okara, Faisalabad, and Peshawar, as well as Punjab University.
Earlier, Ambassador Khorev visited leading industrial units in Sialkot, observing the internationally recognized craftsmanship of local artisans. He praised Sialkot’s unique export culture and the socio-economic development achieved by exporters through self-help initiatives.
The event was attended by President SCCI Syed Ahtesham Mazhar, Senior Vice President Muhammad Murad Arshad, Vice President Salman Sheikh, and members of the Sialkot business community.
