Talks between EAEU, Pakistan on free trade expected to start in near future - Russian deputy PM

CHOLPON-ATA. Aug 6 (Interfax) - The countries of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) and Pakistan may start talks on the creation of a free trade zone in the near future, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexei Overchuk said after the first day of the session of the Eurasian Intergovernmental Council in Cholpon-Ata.

"Our groups of experts have held joint consultations with Pakistan. And here we also expect substantive talks on a free trade zone to start shortly," he said.

The EAEU has already started the process of negotiations on a free trade zone with India, Overchuk said. "As you know, talks with India are underway today, it's one of the largest markets, one of the largest economies in the world now. The talks there are at a fairly good, advanced stage," he said.

The free trade agreements with the United Arab Emirates and Indonesia signed last year are expected to take effect shortly, he said. The agreement with Mongolia entered into effect on July 22, 2026.