ISLAMABAD: The Embassy of Uzbekistan in Islamabad celebrated Uzbekistan’s Independence Day with a grand event attended by Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Commerce & Industries, Dr. Gohar Ejaz, along with several ambassadors, high commissioners, Pakistani ministers, military officers, and members of civil society. The event showcased Uzbekistan’s traditional culture and cuisine, and it offered an opportunity to strengthen the existing bonds between the two nations.
Uzbekistan embassy celebrate 32nd Anniversary of Independence Day pic.twitter.com/sHn14aJm3q
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Uzbekistan’s Ambassador, Aybek Arif Usmanov, expressed his gratitude to all attendees for joining in the celebration of Uzbekistan’s Independence Day in Islamabad. He noted the honor and privilege of serving in Pakistan and emphasized the significance of the strong connection between the two regions and nations.
Acknowledging the important role played by the President of Pakistan, Dr. Arif Alvi, the Government of Pakistan, and the country’s armed forces in enhancing connectivity between the nations, Ambassador Usmanov highlighted the successful elevation of their brotherly cooperation to the level of strategic partnership. This achievement has been realized through political dialogue, strengthened trade and industrial collaborations, technological projects, and active military cooperation.
Bilateral Trade Between Pakistan and Uzbekistan
Usmanov shared that in the past two years, bilateral trade between the two countries has seen a substantial increase, with almost half a billion dollars of trade conducted through brotherly Afghanistan, thanks to Transit and Preferential trade agreements. He expressed optimism in achieving the goals set in the recently signed $1 billion Trade and Industrial cooperation Road Map.
The Ambassador also praised the recent adoption of Uzbekistan’s New Constitution, which reflects the nation’s commitment to implementing reforms, enhancing the balance between the public, state, and parliament, and upholding democratic values.
Federal Minister Dr. Gohar Ejaz extended his heartfelt congratulations to the people of Uzbekistan on their Independence Day. He highlighted the historical, cultural, and geographical ties that have historically connected the two nations. Over the past four years, bilateral trade relations have strengthened, with bilateral trade increasing from US $27 million in 2019-20 to US $126.05 million in 2022-23. He said that the operational Agreement on Transit Trade since March 2022 and the Uzbekistan-Pakistan Preferential Trade Agreement, which became operational in March 2023, have played a crucial role in boosting economic collaboration.
Minister Ejaz shared the vision of enhancing annual bilateral trade turnover with Uzbekistan to one billion dollars. A Roadmap has already been signed to facilitate this objective by removing non-tariff barriers to trade. The minister emphasized the importance of minimizing tariff and non-tariff barriers, rationalizing import requirements, and promoting trade in sectors such as textiles, food, pharmaceuticals, and energy.
The event underscored the commitment of both nations to further enhance their bilateral relations, deepen economic ties, and explore new avenues for cooperation, fostering a prosperous future for both Uzbekistan and Pakistan.
