Islamabad, Feb 26: Pakistan and Uzbekistan have pledged to enhance bilateral trade to $2 billion, signing multiple agreements to bolster cooperation in defence, technology, and technical training. The accords were finalized during Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's visit to Tashkent, where he met Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev.
The two leaders held high-level talks, following which they signed several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs), according to Dawn newspaper.
Expanding Economic and Trade Cooperation
Addressing a joint press conference, President Mirziyoyev revealed that bilateral trade had already surpassed $400 million, with both sides committing to increasing it to $2 billion. He described the negotiations as “very fruitful” and emphasized a new strategic direction for future goals.Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif echoed this sentiment, highlighting collaboration in mining and minerals and discussions on investment opportunities in each other’s economic zones.
“I find you a very valuable friend and a very positive partner,” Shehbaz said, commending the Uzbek president’s pivotal role in strengthening ties.
Boosting Tourism & Connectivity
The leaders also agreed to enhance tourism, with Shehbaz proposing direct travel between Peshawar, Quetta, Karachi, and Lahore to Bukhara and Samarkand. He emphasized that this initiative would boost cultural and people-to-people ties between the two nations.Mirziyoyev noted that 130 joint ventures between Pakistan and Uzbekistan have already been established, with trade houses operational in Karachi and Tashkent.
Furthermore, direct flights between Tashkent and Lahore have commenced, with plans to launch additional routes linking Samarkand, Bukhara, and Karachi.
Strengthening Industrial & Regional Cooperation
The two countries also agreed to enhance industrial collaboration, logistics, and business incentives, particularly in pharmaceuticals, textiles, leather, and agriculture. Shehbaz proposed energy, geology, and mining initiatives to strengthen regional partnerships and expand access to international markets.Railway Connectivity Through Afghanistan
A key part of the discussions was the Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan (UAP) Railway project, an initiative first signed in July 2023. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to developing this crucial railway link, facilitating regional trade and transit connectivity.“We are going to achieve Trans-Afghan railway connectivity, which will be a game-changer not only for Pakistan and Uzbekistan but for the entire region,” Shehbaz stated.
The agreements significantly strengthen Pakistan-Uzbekistan ties, opening doors for enhanced economic growth, regional integration, and strategic cooperation.
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