Industrial, economic cooperation discussed with Uzbekistan

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Uzbekistan on Tuesday discussed ways to enhance industrial and economic cooperation and improve trade and investment ties in line with the February 2026 agreement.

In this connection, Ambassador of Uzbekistan to Pakistan, Ali Sher Takhtayev, called on Advisor to the Prime Minister on Industries and Production Haroon Akhtar Khan.

During the meeting, both sides focused their discussions on bilateral relations, economic cooperation, trade, investment, exports and people-to-people contacts between Pakistan and Uzbekistan.

In February 2026, Pakistan and Uzbekistan agreed to raise bilateral trade to USD 2 billion over the next five years during Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s state visit to Pakistan.

The protocol is aimed at strengthening economic and trade cooperation between the two countries.

Khan said that Pakistan was keen to take its economic relations with Uzbekistan to new heights and further strengthen cooperation in trade, investment, exports and tourism.

He emphasized that Pakistan and Uzbekistan enjoyed brotherly and friendly relations, which provided a strong foundation for expanding mutually beneficial economic and commercial ties.

The Advisor said that, in line with the government’s vision, Pakistan was placing particular emphasis on strengthening economic and trade relations with friendly and brotherly countries and creating new avenues for business and investment cooperation.

The meeting also discussed the expected visit of the President of Uzbekistan to Pakistan in the near future, including preparations for the visit and opportunities to further advance bilateral cooperation.

Ambassador of Uzbekistan to Pakistan, Ali Sher Takhtayev, also invited a Pakistani delegation to visit Uzbekistan and hold meetings with Governors of different Uzbek provinces to explore opportunities for enhanced trade, investment and business-to-business cooperation.

Khan highlighted the importance of direct air connectivity between Pakistan and Uzbekistan, saying that improved air links were playing an important role in strengthening people-to-people contacts, trade and tourism between the two countries.

He further observed that enhanced connectivity, including potential cargo air links, could provide a new impetus to bilateral trade and exports and facilitate movement of goods between the two countries.

The meeting also included discussions on the formation of a Pakistani business delegation for engagement with governors of various Uzbek provinces and exploring new avenues of economic cooperation.

The meeting reflects growing efforts to strengthen Pakistan-Uzbekistan economic cooperation. Furthermore, greater trade, investment and tourism links could support broader economic ties between the two countries. Both sides remain focused on turning their close bilateral relationship into practical commercial partnerships.

Additional Secretary Humaira Zia Mufti, Joint Secretary Freedoon Akram Sheikh, and Deputy Secretary Shahid Aijaz Tarar were also present during the meeting.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026