RAWALPINDI (WNAM REPORT): A high-level Uzbekistan trade delegation, led by Ambassador Mr. Alisher Tukhtaev, visited the Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) to discuss opportunities for enhancing bilateral trade and cooperation.
The delegation included key representatives from various sectors: Tukhtaev Akorbirjon, Deputy Chairman of the Chemical Industry Association (Uzkimyosanoat), Mr. Halimjon Safarov, Deputy Chairman of the Uzbek Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Bakhrom Yusupov, Commercial Consular and Hamid Mahmood, Representative of the Ministry of Tourism, Uzbekistan.
Ambassador Mr. Alisher Tukhtaev, in his address, thanked RCCI for the warm reception and provided an overview of the growing trade relations between the two countries. He noted that bilateral trade has grown significantly by 50 to 55 percent annually over the past three years, increasing from USD 50 million to USD 240 million last year. He also shared positive news regarding the resumption of direct flights between Pakistan and Uzbekistan, expected in November or December of this year, and stated that visa issues for tourists have been resolved.
Mr. Tukhtaev Akorbirjon, Deputy Chairman of Uzkimyosanoat, delivered a detailed presentation on Uzbekistan’s chemical industry, sharing key figures on the production of over 150 products, including urea, fertilizers, polyethylene, and medical disinfectants, with 78 products being exported. He also provided insights into the sector’s performance as rated by agencies such as Fitch, Moody’s, and KPMG.
RCCI President Usman Shaukat warmly welcomed the delegation and highlighted the strong potential for expanding trade relations between Pakistan and Uzbekistan in sectors such as energy, pharmaceuticals, textiles, agriculture, chemical industry, and tourism. He emphasized the importance of exploring investment and joint venture opportunities and discussed practical matters such as sector-specific information, direct flights, and streamlined visa processing.
The meeting concluded with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen joint cooperation and enhance trade ties between Pakistan and Uzbekistan.
Senior Vice President Khalid Farooq Qazi, Vice President Fahad Barlas, Executive committee members and a large number of RCCI members were also present on the occasion.
