Tashkent, February 27, 2025 – The Europe Today: President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan Shehbaz Sharif participated in the Uzbekistan-Pakistan Business Forum, reinforcing bilateral economic cooperation between the two nations. The high-profile event was attended by approximately 300 executives and representatives from leading companies from both countries.
Prominent Pakistani enterprises, including Al-Rafique Enterprises, Mehran Dates Products, Brighto Chemicals, Transfopower Industries, FWO, TMC, Pakistan Mobile, and TCS, among others, were present at the forum. In his address, President Mirziyoyev emphasized that the discussions held during the forum were highly productive, focusing on strengthening the multifaceted partnership between Uzbekistan and Pakistan. He further announced the establishment of a Supreme Council of Strategic Partnership, a significant step toward deepening bilateral ties.
Trade and economic collaboration was identified as the cornerstone of the two nations’ relationship. “With immense potential, our economies can effectively complement each other,” President Mirziyoyev noted.
The trade turnover between Uzbekistan and Pakistan surpassed $400 million last year, with 130 enterprises operating in various sectors. As a result, Uzbekistan has emerged as Pakistan’s largest trading partner in Central Asia. Recent initiatives have fostered favorable conditions for business, including the restoration of direct air connectivity with Lahore and plans to expand flight routes. Additionally, business forums and industrial exhibitions are being held, and trade houses have been established in Karachi and Tashkent.
New collaborative projects are also underway with companies such as Pak Merit, Diamond Group, Silk-way, Getz Pharm, Gerbion, and NLS. President Mirziyoyev proposed several measures to further enhance bilateral cooperation, including the regular organization of business events in both countries at least twice a year, with broad participation from business representatives.
Given the geographical proximity of Uzbekistan and Pakistan, an increase in trade volumes was highlighted as a priority. This would be achieved through the expansion of the range of traded goods under the existing Preferential Trade Agreement, simplification of phytosanitary, quarantine, and customs procedures, and improvements in interbank settlement mechanisms. The integration of electronic trading platforms will also be prioritized to facilitate commerce.
The forum further underscored the expansion of transport and logistics cooperation. Over the past few years, freight transportation between the two countries has grown fivefold. Plans are underway to establish a joint transport and logistics company to streamline operations. Moreover, the commencement of the China-Central Asia railway construction was acknowledged as a strategic initiative that could potentially extend to Pakistan’s ports, significantly boosting trade and investment flows.
The accelerated development of industrial cooperation aligns with the fundamental interests of both nations, with joint projects spanning the pharmaceutical, agricultural, geological, mining, electrical engineering, textile, and leather industries. The forum also stressed the importance of interregional cooperation, advocating for reciprocal visits by regional leaders along with extensive business delegations.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif commended the comprehensive reform agenda being implemented under President Mirziyoyev’s leadership, particularly the favorable business conditions fostered in Uzbekistan. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening the strategic partnership and underscored the vast potential for collaboration across multiple sectors.
The Uzbekistan-Pakistan Business Forum reaffirmed both nations’ commitment to enhancing economic cooperation, paving the way for deeper engagement in trade, investment, and industrial collaboration.
