ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Uzbekistan have committed to significantly boosting their bilateral trade from the current $400 million to $2 billion in the near future. The two countries also agreed to explore new avenues of cooperation in investment, connectivity, and tourism.
This commitment was made during a productive one-on-one meeting and delegation-level talks between Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who is on a two-day official visit to Uzbekistan.
Both leaders highlighted the potential for collaboration on the “dream” project of the Trans-Afghan Railway, which aims to connect Central Asia with South Asia. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif described the railway project as a game-changer for the region’s connectivity.
The leaders also discussed the importance of a stable and peaceful Afghanistan for regional peace and connectivity, with both sides agreeing that Afghanistan should not be used as a base for militant groups to attack neighboring countries.
Read more: PM Shehbaz meets Uzbek President to boost regional cooperation, trade
During the visit, Pakistan and Uzbekistan signed several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) to enhance cooperation in areas such as defense, technology, technical training, and youth empowerment. Additionally, a High-Level Strategic Council was established to facilitate regular reporting on the progress of bilateral cooperation.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif invited President Mirziyoyev to visit Pakistan, which the Uzbek leader accepted. The talks between the two leaders have set the stage for deeper collaboration across multiple sectors, with both countries optimistic about the future of their bilateral ties.
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