Economic Spring in Pakistan-Russia Relations.

Byline: Farhat Asif

The spring in Pakistan and Russia relations continue to blossom apparently especially after the period of inception of China Pakistan Economic Corridor and the recent build up of Pakistan's image as a country where world can come to invest and trade linkages coupled with endless possibilities of business and trade. Both Russia and Pakistan are keen to improve their bilateral trade and economic relations in the years to come. There were several initiatives taken from both sides to build the trust of Business Enterprises from both sides. However now is the right time to establish the economic interdependence as a result of the consolidation of Eurasian Economic Union via CPEC and when the linkages will be developed and beyond. Pakistan is a huge energy investment open market and there are potentials that exist on both sides to collaborate.

Pakistan is rich in agriculture related products while Russia can provide technical and other facilities for joint learning and experience sharing in new technologies in diverse fields.

Pakistan and Russia has witnessed various ups and downs in their relations over since the emergence of Pakistan. If we can say that these relations are as old as the presence of British Empire in the subcontinent then we are being historic are viewing the terms in the lens of the old Great game. The relations are old but witnessed various bumps on the way but still both countries were now able to manage and develop their congeniality of relations after tumultuous events of 9/11. In the current geopolitical and strategic scenario of the region, Pakistan is revamping its partnership and relationship with countries like Russia. The unreliable friendship of US has always made Pakistan to be at the receiving end, leaving aside being taken as a partner.

Russia and Pakistan are on the way to develop deep rooted and long lasting political, strategic, economic relations on the basis of sound and greater appeal for intellectual collaboration, so as to lift "the mist of mutual incomprehension left behind by the cold war".

In the contemporary multipolar international political system where several world orders are contending to each other, Pakistan needs to revamp and reach out to improve and enhance cooperation with friendly countries like Russia. Nevertheless Pakistan's presence and active alliance with western world order, relations with Soviet Union and later Russian Federation remained in luke warm waters. After...