Islamabad, Jan 4: The Ambassador of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Alisher Tukhtaev, highlighted the growing bilateral trade between Uzbekistan and Pakistan and expressed his goal of increasing mutual trade to US$1 billion in the coming years. Speaking at a meeting at the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), Tukhtaev noted that bilateral trade had grown significantly, from US$122 million in 2019 to US$387 million in 2023, thanks to the leadership-level agreement between the two countries.
Tukhtaev emphasized the recent advancement of direct flight routes between Tashkent and Lahore, and hinted at the potential launch of direct flights from Karachi to Uzbekistan later this year. He also mentioned the introduction of a soft visa regime for Pakistani citizens, easing access for both business and tourist travel, which is expected to foster stronger ties between the nations.
Reflecting on the longstanding brotherly relations between the two countries, Tukhtaev stated, “Today, our two countries are closer than ever,” attributing this progress to the realization of the vision for regional connectivity and continued cooperation. He invited Pakistani businessmen to explore investment opportunities in Uzbekistan, particularly in textiles, pharmaceuticals, leather, food processing, and agro-business sectors, stressing that the country offers a safe and liberal investment environment.
During the meeting, KCCI President Muhammad Jawed Bilwani welcomed the Ambassador and reiterated the importance of deepening the historic and cultural ties between the two nations. Bilwani called for the diversification of trade to enhance bilateral exports and stressed the potential for collaboration in cotton research and development. He proposed joint ventures in agriculture, focusing on food processing, storage, and the livestock sector, as well as cooperation in other key industries such as transportation, logistics, IT, and textiles.
Both sides emphasized the importance of business-to-business (B2B) connectivity, with Tukhtaev urging KCCI to organize a business delegation to Uzbekistan to explore investment opportunities in key regions. Bilwani also suggested launching cultural exchange programs, scholarships, and joint research initiatives to strengthen mutual understanding between the people of Uzbekistan and Pakistan.
