SAPM Haroon, Uzbek governor agree to boost trade, economic cooperation

ISLAMABAD: Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) on Industries and Production Haroon Akhtar Khan on Saturday met Governor of Uzbekistan’s Navoiy Region Normat Tursunov and discussed avenues to enhance bilateral cooperation in trade, industry and investment.

The Uzbek delegation included Alisher Tukhtaev, Ambassador of Uzbekistan to Pakistan; Elbek Gaffarov, Deputy Governor; and Ravshan Jumanov from the Embassy of Uzbekistan, said a news release.

The Pakistani side was represented by Secretary Industries and Production and Food Security Saif Anjum, Additional Secretary Asif Saeed Lughmani, Joint Secretary Freedoon Akram Sheikh and other senior officials.

SAPM Haroon welcomed the Uzbek delegation and conveyed goodwill and best wishes from the people of Pakistan to their Uzbek brothers. During the meeting, both sides discussed a wide range of areas of mutual interest aimed at enhancing bilateral economic engagement.

The Uzbek side proposed the export of live animals from Pakistan to Uzbekistan, which was discussed in detail. Both parties also agreed to promote cooperation in pharmaceuticals, leather, and other key sectors.

Emphasis was laid on increasing Business-to-Business (B2B) linkages, enhancing meat exports, and strengthening overall bilateral relations in line with the vision of the Prime Minister of Pakistan to expand regional trade and economic connectivity.

SAPM Haroon also informed the delegation that he will soon lead a high-level delegation to Uzbekistan to further explore opportunities for collaboration and investment.

At the conclusion of the meeting, SAPM Haroon Akhtar Khan presented a souvenir to Governor Normat Tursunov as a gesture of goodwill. Both sides exchanged warm regards and conveyed their best wishes for the continued prosperity of their peoples and leadership.