Pakistan and Russia relations
are vital for the progress, prosperity, peace and development in the region.
Pakistan needs Russian support in education, technical fields, energy, human
development, tourism promotion as well as in defence. Pakistan sacrificed a lot
in its fight against terrorism, extremism and hate mongers. It needs global
support especially foreign investment to enhance its economic capability to
generate employment for youth who are around sixty percent of its population.
Both Pakistan and Russia missed excellent trade relations opportunities in the
past and a huge mistrust was present between the two countries for decades. A
lot of water has been passed under the bridge and there is a great sense present
on both sides to forget past and look towards new realities and try to avail
opportunities. Analysts find immense warmth towards this need and both sides are
trying to develop long term relations and investment which is in the larger
interest of people of both the countries. Strong bilateral trade between
Pakistan and Russia and larger cooperation in other areas is the need of time
and is vital for the prosperity and integrity I the region. Current trade volume
is far below than its potential. Serious efforts are required to enhance
bilateral trade volume up to US$ 4 billion within couple of years.
Russia has long history of bilateral attitudes towards supply of services and
transfer of technology to developing countries. There is dire need to boost
trade and identify implementing blocks on the side of non-tariff barriers,
technical barriers in the way of bilateral trade. It could be foreseen in the
new developments that there could be a big share for the Russian federation in
the mining and manufacturing of coal based power generation. Last several years
witnessed substantial expansion of contacts between the both countries ; both at
high and people to people levels. The current positive trends give two countries
and people the opportunity to better understand each other to exploit the
existence potential for mutual benefits. The sense of larger cooperation and
mutual understanding which exists with Russia is of immense importance to
Pakistan. It is interesting to note that Russia is the third largest textile
importer of the world. So there is great potential for Pakistan textile industry
and its products to be exported to Russia. These facts are providing tremendous
opportunities for the promotion and development of textile trade between the two
countries. The business communities if both the countries should avail these
opportunities.
Russia exports chemical products, fertilizers, timber and paper, metal products
etc. Pakistan exports to Russia textile and garments, rice, leather, spots
goods, fresh fruits, surgical equipments and pharmaceuticals. Consumer goods
market in Russia is of level of US$1,270 billion and if proper strategy is
adopted, Pakistan could boost its consumer goods exports to Russia up to one
billion dollars within a year. Government and private sectors should come
forward to work jointly in providing trade facilities on a huge scale and to
initiate dialogue with the Russian government to remove barriers. Since 1992
there have been more than 50 leadership and senior officials’ level exchanges
between the two countries. Out of which 25 exchanges were either partly or
purely related to enhance economic relations focusing on trade, investment and
joint ventures. According to ITC data Russian Federation exports 2,500 items. On
the other hand Pakistan is located at highly important geographical location and
with CPEC it important multiplied and Russia could enhance its trade enormously
by joining hands with Pakistan. During the last 60 years Pakistan’s foreign
policy and economic and business relations were American centered but for the
last decade things have much been changes and with the emergence of China as the
economic superpower and now recent threats for Pakistan, the potential between
Pakistan and Russia has increased many folds. Pakistan now doesn’t need aid it
need trade and investment and relations based on mutual respect with due honour
and dignity. Pakistan could seek the help of Russia to integrate and boost its
engineering sector as a shift in policy from AID to TRADE and to do persistent
efforts to transfer technologies to Pakistan from advanced countries like
Russia. Textile exports from Russia are US$20 billion and this figure is self
explanatory for Pakistan’s textile exports. A free trade Agreement and Pakistan
Russia Joint Chamber of Commerce’s formation could be fruitful to boost
bilateral trade.
Russia is the largest country in the world by area, covering more than one
eighth of the world’s land area, it is 9th most populous country with over 150
million people. Its capital Moscow is the largest city in the world. The Russian
economy ranks as the 12th largest economy by nominal GDP, and sixth largest by
purchasing power parity. Russia’s extensive mineral and energy resources are the
largest such reserves in the world, making it one of the world’s leading
producer of oil, and natural gas globally. The country is one of the five
recognized nuclear weapon states, is a permanent member of UN Security Council
enjoying veto power status.
Russia is a great power as well as a regional power and has been characterized
as a potential super power. It is member of G20, The Council of Europe, The Asia
Pacific Economic Cooperation, and World Trade Organization. It is also one of
the five members of Eurasian Economic Union.
The Visionary, Dynamic and pragmatic Leadership of Vladimir Putin.
Under the visionary, dynamic and pragmatic leadership of Vladimir Putin, Russia
is advancing smoothly in the horizon of global politics ad economy. Russia is
trying to balance the world which became uni-polar after the collapse of Soviet
Union. Putin is serving as president since 7th May, 2012, previously holding the
position from 2000 until 2008 and from 2008 until 2012.
During his first presidency, the Russian economy grew for eight straight years
and GDP measuring purchasing power parity increased by 72%. Russia maintains
diplomatic relations with 191 countries and has 144 embassies.
Russia An important Global Player in power game
Russia is the largest country in the world by area, covering more than one
eighth of the world’s land area, it is 9th most populous country with over 150
million people. Its capital Moscow is the largest city in the world. The Russian
economy ranks as the 12th largest economy by nominal GDP, and sixth largest by
purchasing power parity. Russia’s extensive mineral and energy resources are the
largest such reserves in the world, making it one of the world’s leading
producer of oil, and natural gas globally. The country is one of the five
recognized nuclear weapon states, is a permanent member of UN Security Council
enjoying veto power status. Russia is a great power as well as a regional power
and has been characterized as a potential super power. It is member of G20, The
Council of Europe, The Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation, and World Trade
Organization. It is also one of the five members of Eurasian Economic Union. The
recent Russian display of interest in joining the China-Pakistan Economic
Corridor (CPEC) guarantee that Russia is ready for a long-term engagement with
Pakistan.18 Pakistan on the other hand is ready to welcome any regional country
including Russia to become a part of CPEC project and reap the fruits of this
game changing Endeavour which would not only help change the destiny of regional
states, but also aid in complementing international trade and cooperation around
the world. Apart from that, Pakistan, after analyzing the results of the first
joint exercises and finding them to be very successful, sent a request to the
Russian Defense Ministry with a proposal to coordinate a plan of events for
2017, which will include a series of joint exercises, exchange of observers and
visits of high-ranking officials.19 The world is witnessing a new dawn in
Pakistan-Russia relations. Ignoring Pakistan is no longer an option for Russia.
Pakistan is a nuclear power, an emerging economy with a population larger than
that of Russia. It can prove to be a good strategic partner in South Asia and
provide easy and affordable access to the warm waters of the south (an access
Russia has always desired). Pakistan and Russia share security interests of
similar nature. Both the states share multiple bilateral and multilateral forums
where they voice their concerns. For above mentioned reasons it is imperative
for Pakistan and Russia to work in closer cooperation. But despite their will
and desire to build better relations, there are obstacles to closer cooperation
and Pakistan should be well cognizant of them. In the realm of international
relations, there are no permanent friends and no permanent foes and for this
reason Pakistan should work towards building good relations with Russia but
Pakistan should also remain aware of political and geostrategic limitations of
Russia. Pakistan should remain optimistic about improving Pak-Russian relations
but should not over-estimate the amicable gestures by Russia. Pakistani and
Russian security interests are increasingly intertwined, so Moscow cannot afford
to ignore Pakistan. Both states should work in close cooperation to address
newly emerging threats in the region.
The Visionary, Dynamic and pragmatic Leadership of Vladimir Putin.
Under the visionary, dynamic and pragmatic leadership of Vladimir Putin, Russia
is advancing smoothly in the horizon of global politics ad economy. Russia is
trying to balance the world which became uni-polar after the collapse of Soviet
Union. Putin is serving as president since 7th May, 2012, previously holding the
position from 2000 until 2008 and from 2008 until 2012.
During his first presidency, the Russian economy grew for eight straight years
and GDP measuring purchasing power parity increased by 72% . Russia maintains
diplomatic relations with 191 countries and has 144 embassies.
ECONOMY
GDP ( PPP) : $ 3.862 trillion
GDP ( official exchange rate) $1.283 trillion
GDP per capita $ 26,900
Exports $ 286.9 billion
Export partners china 10.6% , Netherland 10.3% , Turkey 5%,
Italy 4.4%, Belarus 4.3%
Imports $191.6 billion