The Embassy of the Republic of Uzbekistan in Islamabad has organized a high-level business forum aimed at enhancing trade and investment cooperation between Uzbekistan and Pakistan.
\nThe event brought together leading representatives of Pakistani business circles and prominent entrepreneurs, including heads of industry associations and executives from key economic sectors.
\nThe forum was attended by Mr Atif Ikram Sheikh,President of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI), and Mr Usman Shaukat, President of Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) along with prominent Pakistani entrepreneurs from the pharmaceutical, construction materials, leather and wool processing, textile, and food production industries.<\/p>\n
Ambassador of Uzbekistan to Pakistan, Alisher Tukhtaev, delivered opening remarks emphasizing the importance of strengthening economic ties and the strategic potential of enhanced business-to-business cooperation between the two countries.
\nHe emphasized the deep-rooted historical, cultural, and spiritual ties between the peoples of Uzbekistan and Pakistan. \u201cThis is not just a gathering of business leaders and officials \u2013 it is a gathering of hearts and hopes,\u201d Ambassador remarked, setting a warm and visionary tone for the event.
\nUzbek Ambassador highlighted Uzbekistan\u2019s ongoing transformation under the leadership of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, stressing that the country is more open than ever to international cooperation. \u201cWe are reforming, transforming, and growing. Most importantly, we are ready for you,\u201d he said, inviting Pakistani businesses to explore new opportunities across Uzbekistan\u2019s emerging sectors.<\/p>\n
Ambassador Tukhtaev also emphasized the strategic importance of Pakistan, describing it as a vital partner and a gateway to South Asia. \u201cUzbekistan sees Pakistan as a true partner. But our current trade turnover of $400 million does not reflect the potential. Together, we can multiply this figure fivefold,\u201d he asserted.<\/p>\n
He highlighted several key sectors with strong potential for immediate joint ventures between the two countries.<\/p>\n
These include agriculture and agro-processing, where Uzbekistan\u2019s expertise in cotton and horticulture can be effectively complemented by Pakistan\u2019s agri-tech and market access.
\nIn the textile and leather industries, both countries can benefit from value-added production partnerships, combining Uzbekistan\u2019s raw materials with Pakistan\u2019s manufacturing know-how.
\nThe energy sector also offers opportunities for cooperation, particularly in renewable energy and related services.
\nIn pharmaceuticals, collaboration in research, development, and the production of affordable medicines was emphasized.
\nTourism is another promising area, with historical Uzbek cities like Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva offering rich opportunities for cultural exchange, especially as air connectivity expands.
\nFinally, logistics and transport infrastructure, covering warehousing, supply chains, and regional connectivity, were identified as essential areas for joint development.
\nUzbek Ambassador further announced the upcoming launch of Uzbekistan Airways\u2019 new direct flight from Islamabad to Tashkent starting June 14, in addition to current flights from Lahore, and invited Pakistani airlines to start operations to Uzbekistan to further boost connectivity.<\/p>\n
In his address, FPCCI President Mr. Atif Ikram Sheikh reaffirmed Pakistan\u2019s keen interest in deepening trade relations with Uzbekistan and highlighted the untapped potential in bilateral investment opportunities.<\/p>\n
He emphasized the importance of deepening trade and industrial partnerships with Central Asia and called for enhanced B2B interaction and practical steps to raise bilateral trade volumes significantly.
\nRCCI President Mr. Usman Shaukat, in his address, emphasized the need to further expand economic relations between Pakistan and Uzbekistan.
\nHe highlighted the importance of effectively utilizing the vast potential in Central Asia, increasing bilateral trade volume, and fostering closer cooperation between business communities.
\nUsman Shaukat also called for the establishment of practical mechanisms for continuous dialogue and experience sharing between entrepreneurs of both countries.
\nAs a concrete step, he announced plans to visit various regions of Uzbekistan in June-July this year, leading a business delegation from the Chamber.
\nDuring the forum, Mr. Bahrom Yusupov, Trade and Economic Counselor at the Embassy, gave a detailed presentation on Uzbekistan\u2019s trade potential and growing industrial base, liberalized trade environment, economic reforms, and opportunities and significant incentives offered to foreign investors in the country\u2019s Free Economic Zones (FEZs).
\nThe presentation underscored the favorable business environment, tax incentives, and legal guarantees available to international partners.
\nHe showcased sectors such as agriculture, textiles, pharmaceuticals, energy, logistics, and tourism as high-potential areas for collaboration.
\nThe forum concluded with an interactive Q&A session, where attendees posed insightful questions regarding market access, customs procedures, investment protections, financing options, logistics, legal frameworks, business regulations and sector-specific collaboration opportunities.
\nEmbassy representatives responded in detail, reaffirming Uzbekistan\u2019s openness to deeper economic engagement with Pakistan.
\nParticipants praised the event as a timely and practical step toward strengthening economic linkages, expanding exports and imports, and exploring joint ventures in strategically important sectors.
\nSeveral expressed intent to organize follow-up visits to Uzbekistan and explore joint projects.
\n\u201cThis forum must not end with speeches \u2013 it must begin a journey,\u201d the Ambassador concluded. \u201cWe will support you every step of the way \u2013 as a friend, as a partner, as a brother. Let this be the beginning of a new chapter.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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