Pakistan explores joining EAEU, conducts preparatory work

Pakistan intends to join the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) and is currently undertaking preparatory work, Deputy Trade Minister Nasir Hamid told TASS.

“At the moment, we are not yet negotiating with the EAEU. However, we are carrying out preparatory work and studying the opportunities it presents,” he said, adding that Pakistan has recently established diplomatic contact with Armenia in this context.

Hamid emphasised that discussions are ongoing and stated, “As soon as a decision is made, we will be ready to move closer to the EAEU.”

Pakistan's overture fits into the EAEU's strategy to expand southward, countering Western sanctions on Russia and bolstering ties with Global South economies. Discussions on an FTA (free trade agreement) with Pakistan have been ongoing since 2024, alongside similar talks with Israel, Tunisia, and Indonesia (the latter expected to sign by December 2025).

For Pakistan, grappling with a $350 billion economy strained by inflation, energy shortages, and post-flood recovery, EAEU accession could provide preferential access to energy resources, agricultural markets, and transit routes via Central Asia. Bilateral trade with EAEU members stood at $3.2 billion in 2024, dominated by Russian oil imports and Pakistani textiles, but an FTA could double this within five years, per Pakistani trade ministry estimates.

By Khagan Isayev