TASHKENT: Pakistan and Uzbekistan have agreed to expand the bilateral trade volume to $ 2 billion in the next four years.
The understanding came during a meeting between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev, in Tashkent on Wednesday, which was followed by delegation-level talks between the two countries, Pakistan’s state media reported.
During the meeting, they reviewed further promotion of mutual cooperation between the two countries, especially trade, tourism, energy, regional ties, and cultural ties.
The two leaders agreed to the effective implementation of the Transit Trade Agreement 2021 and the Preferential Trade Agreement 2023. They also emphasised the importance of investing in the Special Economic Zones in both countries and fostering cooperation between the business communities of Pakistan and Uzbekistan.
Both sides reaffirmed their dedication to advancing the Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan Railway project to enhance trade and regional connectivity.
In their discussions, they also focused on boosting tourism between Pakistan and Uzbekistan, particularly between Termez, Bukhara, Lahore, and Karachi.
Expressing their common views on international and regional affairs, the two leaders stressed the importance of promoting the role of international organizations, especially the United Nations, in resolving global issues for sustainable development and achieving global peace and security.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressing his views emphasised further strengthening the historical and cultural ties between Pakistan and Uzbekistan.
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He added that there is a need to open new avenues to enhance trade and economic cooperation. The Prime Minister reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to focus on joint projects in the field of regional connectivity.
Shehbaz Sharif termed the strong partnership between Pakistan and Uzbekistan as beneficial for the development and prosperity of both countries and the entire region.
In his remarks, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev said that mutual cooperation between the two countries is of key importance for stability and development in the region.
Had the pleasure of meeting my dear brother President Shavkat Mirziyoyev at this morning’s formal talks.
Both of us focused on strengthening trade, connectivity, energy cooperation, and cultural exchanges.
Given our common desire and shared resolve, we affirm that we would… pic.twitter.com/WmYfTsVaRT
— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) February 26, 2025
Praising the economic stability and development initiatives of the government in Pakistan, the Uzbekistan’s President said that his country is committed to taking trade and economic partnership with Pakistan to new heights.
Earlier the two countries signed several memorandums of understanding (MoUs) and agreements to further bolster cooperation between the two nations in diverse sectors.
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev were also present in the documents exchange ceremony.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif arrived in Uzbekistan on Tuesday on a two-day official visit aimed at strengthening bilateral relations with the Central Asian country.
