Tashkent ( WNAM MONITORING): President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan Shehbaz Sharif took part in the Uzbekistan-Pakistan business forum, which brought together around 300 executives and representatives of leading companies from both countries. The Pakistani business sector was represented by companies such as Al-Rafique Enterprises, Mehran Dates Products, Brighto Chemicals, Transfopower Industries, FWO, T.M.C, Pakistan Mobile, TCS, and many others.
In his speech, the President of Uzbekistan emphasized that during today’s fruitful negotiations, the parties had discussed in detail the prospects for further expanding their multifaceted partnership, outlining ambitious plans and key priorities. They agreed to establish a High Council for Strategic Partnership, with trade and economic cooperation designated as the core area of bilateral relations.
“With immense potential, our economies can effectively complement each other,” the President stated.
Last year, bilateral trade turnover exceeded US$400 million, and the number of joint ventures reached 130. In this context, Uzbekistan has become Pakistan’s largest trading partner in Central Asia.
In recent years, active measures have been taken to create a favorable business environment: air links with Lahore have been restored, and there are plans to expand flight routes; business forums and industrial exhibitions are held regularly; and trade houses have been opened in Karachi and Tashkent.
Uzbekistan-Pakistan cooperation is steadily expanding, with new projects being implemented by companies such as Pak Merit, Diamond Group, Silk-way, Getz Pharm, Gerbion, NLS, and others.
The head of state proposed several initiatives to further enhance bilateral collaboration. He stressed the importance of holding business events at least twice a year—in Uzbekistan and Pakistan—with the participation of business representatives. Given the geographical proximity of the two countries, emphasis was placed on significantly increasing bilateral trade volumes. In this regard, Uzbekistan proposed to expand the range of goods under the existing Preferential Trade Agreement, simplify phytosanitary, quarantine, and customs procedures, improve interbank settlement mechanisms, and enhance the integration of electronic trading platforms.
Transport and logistics cooperation was given special attention. Over the past few years, cargo transportation between Uzbekistan and Pakistan has increased fivefold. To further strengthen collaboration, the creation of a joint transport and logistics company is planned.
The strategic importance of the railway connecting China with Central Asia—currently under construction—was also highlighted. In the future, this transport corridor could provide access to Pakistani ports, giving a powerful boost to mutual trade and investment growth.
Industrial cooperation plays a key role in Uzbekistan-Pakistan relations. Pharmaceuticals, agriculture, geology, mining, electrical engineering, textiles, and leather industries were identified as promising areas for joint ventures.
The importance of interregional cooperation was also emphasized. In this regard, the practice of mutual visits by regional leaders, involving business communities from both countries, is set to expand.
For his part, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif highly praised the large-scale reforms undertaken under the leadership of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and the favorable business climate created in Uzbekistan. He acknowledged the significant potential for further strengthening the partnership, reaffirming Pakistan’s readiness to deepen economic cooperation.
