KARACHI: Pakistan and Uzbekistan are exploring stronger cooperation in the leather sector, with officials highlighting new opportunities to expand bilateral trade and regional market access.
A high-level delegation from Uzbekistan, led by Navoiy Region Governor Normat Tursunov and accompanied by Ambassador Alisher Tukhtaev, visited the Pakistan Tanners Association (PTA) to discuss prospects for collaboration.
The delegation was received by PTA leadership, including Chairman Central Hamid Zahur and Chairman South Zone Dr Danish Aman.
During the meeting, Zahur underscored the importance of deepening trade ties and pointed to Uzbekistan’s livestock resources as a key advantage for Pakistan’s leather industry.
He said the country could provide raw materials while also offering a market for finished Pakistani leather goods such as garments, footwear, handbags and gloves.
Pakistan’s leather industry
He noted that “Uzbekistan could serve as a gateway for Pakistan’s leather industry” to reach Central Asian markets and Russia, stressing that regular engagement and exchange visits could help unlock the full potential of bilateral trade.
Governor Tursunov outlined business-friendly conditions in the Navoiy region, highlighting investment opportunities and resource availability for leather production.
Ambassador Tukhtaev said air connectivity between the two countries is improving, with six weekly flights already operating from Lahore and Islamabad to Tashkent, and plans underway to launch two weekly flights from Karachi in 2026.
The envoy also invited Pakistani industry representatives to visit Uzbekistan, assuring full support from the embassy to facilitate business partnerships.
