In a significant move to deepen economic ties, Pakistan and Uzbekistan have agreed to expand their bilateral trade to $2 billion. This decision emerged following talks between Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev during the former’s official visit to Tashkent.
This development follows Prime Minister Sharif’s recent agreement with Azerbaijan to boost investments, indicating a broader strategy to enhance regional economic partnerships. Both Pakistan and Uzbekistan have shown a commitment to bolstering trade relations, building on a $1 billion deal signed in 2023. The two nations continue to explore new avenues for cooperation, including a roadmap for industrial collaboration.
The meeting in Tashkent resulted in several memorandums of understanding aimed at fostering cooperation across various sectors. Addressing a joint press conference, President Mirziyoyev emphasized plans to increase mutual trade turnover from the current $400 million to $2 billion. He expressed optimism about the fruitful negotiations and highlighted new directions for future collaboration.
President Mirziyoyev lauded Pakistan’s role as a trusted and promising ally, acknowledging ongoing efforts to secure peace, stability, and economic growth despite global challenges. He expressed appreciation for Pakistan’s achievements and noted the dynamic development of ties between the two countries.
The discussions also covered the establishment of joint ventures and the launch of air travel routes between key cities in Pakistan and Uzbekistan, such as Tashkent, Lahore, Samarkand, Bukhara, and Karachi. The creation of a high-level strategic council was also announced, aimed at ensuring effective execution of mutual directives.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, on his part, emphasized the shared history and cultural ties between the nations. He expressed his appreciation for Uzbekistan’s economic progress and reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to regaining its position in the global community through hard work and collaboration. The prime minister highlighted initiatives in tourism and other sectors, aimed at enhancing connectivity and mutual prosperity.
A significant topic of discussion was the Trans-Afghan Railway project, a venture expected to be a regional game-changer by connecting Pakistan and Uzbekistan through Afghanistan. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to this project, which promises to enhance trade and mobility across the region.
The visit also saw the signing of multiple agreements, including cooperation in science and technology, youth affairs, and visa-free travel for diplomatic passport holders. Additionally, the establishment of the Pakistan-Uzbekistan High-Level Strategic Council was formalized.
Prime Minister Shehbaz’s visit to Tashkent, marked by a warm reception and a series of high-level meetings, underscores Pakistan’s strategic vision to enhance regional integration and economic prosperity through strengthened ties with Uzbekistan.
