ISLAMABAD ( WNAM REPORT ): The Embassy of the Republic of Uzbekistan in Pakistan hosted a grand reception today to mark the 34th Anniversary of Uzbekistan’s Independence. The event was attended by a distinguished gathering including the Chief Guest, Federal Minister for Railways Mr. Muhammad Hanif Abbasi, members of the diplomatic corps, government officials, business leaders, and media representatives.
Speech of the Ambassador of the Republic of Uzbekistan His Excellency Mr. Alisher Tukhtaev:
Assalamu Alaikum and very good evening!
It is a great honor for me to welcome you all to this reception dedicated to the 34th Anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Uzbekistan.
For every Uzbek, this day is not just a holiday. It is the heartbeat of our nation. It is the day when the dream of millions of families – to live under their own flag, in a free country – became a reality.
Independence is not an abstract word. It is the smile of a child walking to school with bright eyes and his first book in hand. It is the tears of joy of a mother who knows her son has a future. It is the pride of an old man who lifts his head to the sky and sees the flag of his homeland flying freely.
Dear Friends,
Under the leadership of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, Uzbekistan has entered a new era – the era of the New Uzbekistan. We proudly say that we are reviving the traditions of the First and Second Renaissances, and we are confidently moving toward the Third Renaissance – a bridge between our famous past and a bright future of revival and progress.
Let me share with you what Independence means in real terms.
Despite global challenges, Uzbekistan’s economy is growing by more than 6 percent every year. In just eight years, our GDP has doubled – reaching 115 billion US dollars last year, and is expected to exceed 130 billion this year. Exports have grown to 26 billion dollars, while our gold and foreign exchange reserves have, for the first time, surpassed 48 billion dollars.
Over the past years, Uzbekistan has attracted about 130 billion dollars in foreign investment. And this year alone, 35 billion dollars of investments are creating almost 9,000 new enterprises and service complexes. On the eve of Independence Day, 79 major projects worth 4 billion dollars were launched – a true gift to our people for the holiday.
The number of small and medium-sized businesses has doubled, and today they employ more than 10 million people. At the beginning of this year, we set the ambitious goal of creating 5.5 million new jobs. In just eight months, 5 million people have already been employed. Most touching of all – 700,000 of our compatriots who had been working abroad returned home, believing in the future of their country.
Uzbekistan is opening wider to the world. Last year, more than 10 million tourists visited our country, bringing more than 3 billion dollars in revenue. By 2030, we aim to attract an additional 35 billion dollars of investment and increase the share of renewable “green” energy to 54 percent.
Today, Uzbekistan is no longer just an exporter of raw materials. Our industrial output has grown from 29 billion dollars in 2017 to 70 billion dollars today. Modern technologies and new knowledge are transforming every sector, creating hundreds of thousands of jobs and building a strong workforce for the future.
And of course, our pride is not only in the economy.
For the first time in history, the national football team of Uzbekistan has qualified for the World Cup! This historic success united millions of hearts, showing that the spirit of Uzbekistan can reach the highest peaks – in sports, in science, in culture, and in every area of life.
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Uzbekistan and Pakistan are connected not only by economic interests. We are bound by centuries of shared history, culture, and spirituality. Today, these ties are gaining new strength, turning into a true strategic partnership built on trust, respect, and brotherhood.
In February this year, the official visit of Honorable Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif to Uzbekistan was a milestone. Our leaders signed the Joint Declaration and the Protocol on establishing the High Council of Strategic Partnership. This historic step laid the foundation for long-term and multi-dimensional cooperation.
Today, we are working together on projects of historic importance – above all, the Trans-Afghan Railway, which will connect not only Uzbekistan, Afghanistan, and Pakistan, but CIS countries with South Asia, opening huge opportunities for regional trade and integration.
Our trade is also growing rapidly. In 2024, turnover exceeded 404.5 million US dollars. In just the first seven months of this year, it reached 320 million dollars – an increase of 126 percent compared to last year. Uzbekistan has become Pakistan’s largest trading partner in Central Asia. Our leaders have set a goal to bring this figure to 2 billion dollars, and steps such as exhibitions, trade houses, new air routes, and cultural exchanges are already bringing us closer to this target.
Equally important are our humanitarian ties. Uzbekistan has simplified the visa regime for Pakistani brothers, sisters, and opened direct flights between Tashkent and Lahore, as well as Tashkent and Islamabad. Business forums, roadshows, and cultural events held this year in Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi and many another cities of Pakistan attracted great interest and strengthened people-to-people connections.
Distinguished Guests,
As we celebrate the Independence Day of Uzbekistan today, let me express my deep gratitude to the Government and people of Pakistan, to the diplomatic corps, the business community, academics, cultural figures, the media, and all friends of Uzbekistan for being here with us.
This evening, you will enjoy the tastes, the music, and the traditions of Uzbekistan – the living soul of our nation.
On behalf of the people and leadership of Uzbekistan, I wish the brotherly people of Pakistan peace, prosperity, and continued success.
