Shehbaz, Mirziyoyev Push for Trade, Tourism Growth
APP
Islamabad: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev have reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing regional connectivity and strengthening bilateral cooperation, particularly in trade, tourism, energy, and cultural relations.
During a bilateral meeting in Tashkent, where Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is on a two-day official visit, both leaders expressed satisfaction over the progress made in diplomatic relations between Pakistan and Uzbekistan over the past 33 years. They emphasized the need to further deepen their partnership to ensure mutual prosperity.
The two leaders agreed to increase the bilateral trade volume to $2 billion within the next four years. They stressed the effective implementation of the Transit Trade Agreement (2021) and the Preferential Trade Agreement (2023), promoting investment in special economic zones, and fostering collaboration between the business communities of both countries.
Acknowledging the strategic significance of the Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan railway project for regional trade and connectivity, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to its timely implementation. Additionally, they discussed measures to enhance tourism, focusing on strengthening ties between historical cities such as Termez, Bukhara, Lahore, and Karachi.
The discussions also covered global and regional issues, with both leaders emphasizing the role of international organizations, particularly the United Nations, in promoting sustainable development and global peace and security.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif highlighted the importance of deepening historical and cultural ties between Pakistan and Uzbekistan and underscored the need to explore new avenues for trade and economic cooperation. He reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to joint initiatives aimed at enhancing regional connectivity.
Describing the Pakistan-Uzbekistan partnership as crucial for regional development and prosperity, the prime minister expressed optimism about future collaborations. President Shavkat Mirziyoyev echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the significance of mutual cooperation for regional stability and economic progress. He also commended the Government of Pakistan for its efforts toward economic stability and national development.
Following the bilateral meeting, high-level talks were held between the delegations of both countries. The Pakistani delegation included Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan, Minister for Investment and Privatization Abdul Aleem Khan, Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar, and Special Assistant Tariq Fatemi.
During the meeting, both delegations had detailed discussions on strengthening cooperation in trade, tourism, energy, education, culture, regional connectivity, and defense. Emphasizing practical steps to achieve shared objectives, they reaffirmed their commitment to deepening collaboration in areas of mutual interest.
