- Uzbek ambassador addresses business leaders in Karachi.
- According to him, trade between the two countries has tripled over the past five years.
- The focus is on exploring “untapped opportunities” for trade growth.
ISLAMABAD: In a bid to strengthen bilateral ties with Pakistan, the Uzbek government plans to introduce a new direct air route between its country and Karachi this year, Ambassador Alisher Tukhtaev announced on Sunday.
During his official visit to Karachi from January 2-4, Ambassador Tukhtaev addressed the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP), Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) and to members of the metropolitan business community.
He highlighted the historical and fraternal relations between Uzbekistan and Pakistan, underpinned by common cultural and religious affinities.
“Our two nations are closer than ever, thanks to the realization of the long-awaited vision of regional connectivity,” the ambassador said, highlighting ongoing efforts to strengthen economic cooperation and strategic collaboration.
Ambassador Tukhtaev explained that Uzbekistan introduced a relaxed visa regime for Pakistani citizens in September 2023, facilitating business and tourist travel.
This initiative, coupled with the recently launched direct flights between Tashkent and Lahore, underlines Uzbekistan’s commitment to fostering people-to-people relations and promoting mutual understanding.
Highlighting the trade potential, the ambassador noted that mutual trade between Uzbekistan and Pakistan has tripled over the past five years, from $122 million in 2019 to $387 million in 2023.
He highlighted untapped opportunities for further collaboration, particularly in sectors such as textiles, pharmaceuticals, leather and tanning, food processing and agribusiness.
The Ambassador also lauded the success of the national ‘Made in Pakistan’ exhibition organized in Tashkent last June, which provided an invaluable platform for entrepreneurs from both countries to forge new trade and investment agreements.
Building on this momentum, he announced plans to hold a “Made in Uzbekistan” industrial exhibition in Karachi later this year, saying he was confident it would further strengthen economic ties.
The ambassador invited a KCCI delegation to visit Uzbekistan and explore investment opportunities in regions such as Bukhara, Sirdarya, Surkhondarya and Kashkadarya. He assured the full support of the Embassy of Uzbekistan in facilitating government-to-business (G2B) and business-to-business (B2B) meetings during these visits.
“Uzbekistan provides a safe, conducive and liberal environment for investment,” he said, urging Pakistani businesses to capitalize on opportunities in various sectors where Sindh excels. He also welcomed the idea of organizing B2B meetings alongside visits by business delegations to materialize trade and investment prospects.