Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif of Pakistan is set to commence a two-day official visit to Uzbekistan, aimed at reinforcing the bilateral relations between the two nations. The visit, reported by the state-owned Radio Pakistan, marks a significant step in enhancing the economic and strategic partnership between Pakistan and the Central Asian republic.
In recent years, Pakistan and Uzbekistan have been actively working to deepen their trade and economic ties. A noteworthy milestone in this relationship was the signing of a $1 billion trade agreement in 2023, which laid the groundwork for further collaboration. This includes plans for industrial cooperation, demonstrating both countries’ commitment to fostering regional connectivity and economic synergy.
The visit comes on the heels of Uzbekistan’s announcement of a new direct flight route between Tashkent and Karachi, a move unveiled by the Uzbek Ambassador to Pakistan, Alisher Tukhtaev. The introduction of this route is perceived as a significant development in strengthening the links between the two nations.
Prime Minister Sharif’s visit is at the invitation of Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. During their meeting, the leaders are expected to address a wide range of topics, including economic cooperation, trade, investment, energy collaboration, defense and security, regional stability, and educational exchanges.
A key component of the visit will be the Pakistan-Uzbekistan business forum, where Prime Minister Sharif is anticipated to engage with business leaders from both countries to explore avenues for enhancing bilateral trade and investment. The visit is expected to result in the signing of several memorandums of understanding and agreements, further solidifying the partnership between the two countries.
The economic ties between Pakistan and Uzbekistan have seen significant growth, with bilateral trade increasing from $27 million in the fiscal year 2019-20 to $126 million in 2022-23. This surge reflects the growing economic cooperation and the potential for future trade expansion between the two nations.
