26.02.2025

President of the Republic Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan Shehbaz Sharif participate in the Uzbek-Pakistani business-forum.

The event was attended by about 300 executives and representatives of leading companies of the two countries. Pakistani business was represented by such companies as Al-Rafique Enterprises, Mehran Dates Products, Brighto Chemicals, Transfopower Industries, FWO, T.M.C, Pakistan Mobile, TCS and many others.

In his speech, the Head of our state emphasized that during the fruitful talks held today, the issues of further expansion of multifaceted partnership were discussed in detail and major plans and tasks were outlined. An agreement was reached on the establishment of the Supreme Council of Strategic Partnership. 

Trade and economic cooperation has been identified as the locomotive of bilateral relations. 

- Having huge potential, our economies can effectively complement each other, - said the President.

Last year, trade turnover exceeded $400 million, and 130 enterprises are in operation. In this context, Uzbekistan has become Pakistan's largest trade partner in Central Asia.

In recent years, joint measures on creating favorable conditions for business have been actively implemented. Air communication with Lahore has been resumed, and there are plans to increase the number of flights and expand the geography of flights. Business forums and industrial exhibitions are being held. Trade houses have been established in Karachi and Tashkent.

Uzbek-Pakistani cooperation is filled with new projects. Projects with Pak Merit, Diamond Group, Silk-way, Getz Pharm, Gerbion, NLS and others are underway.

The Head of our state put forward a number of proposals for further expansion of bilateral cooperation.

Above all, the importance of holding regular business events with broad participation of business representatives at least twice a year - in Uzbekistan and Pakistan - has been emphasized.

Given the geographical proximity, the need to radically increase the volume of trade turnover, including by expanding the range of goods within the framework of the current Preferential Trade Agreement, simplifying phytosanitary, quarantine and customs procedures, improving the mechanisms of interbank settlements has been emphasized. Special attention will be paid to the integration of electronic trading platforms.

Opportunities in the field of transportation and logistics are expanding. In recent years, the volume of cargo transportation between the countries has increased fivefold. In order to expand cooperation in this area, it is planned to establish a joint transportation and logistics company.

The beginning of construction of a railroad connecting China with Central Asia was noted with satisfaction. In the future, this strategic railroad may lead to the ports of Pakistan, which will significantly increase mutual trade and investment.

Accelerated development of industrial cooperation is in the fundamental interest of our countries. 

It is about projects in pharmaceuticals, agriculture, geology, mining, electrical engineering, textile, leather and other sectors.

The need to effectively utilize the potential of interregional cooperation was stressed. In this context, the importance of intensifying mutual visits of the heads of regions with wide participation of business missions of the two countries was highlighted.

In turn, Prime Minister of Pakistan Shehbaz Sharif, praising the program of large-scale reforms implemented under the leadership of President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev, as well as the business environment created, emphasized the presence of great opportunities for enhancing partnership.