The President of Uzbekistan and the Prime Minister of Pakistan participated in a joint business forum.

The event was attended by around 300 leaders and representatives from major companies of both countries. The Pakistani business sector was represented by companies such as Al-Rafique Enterprises, Mehran Dates Products, Brighto Chemicals, Transfopower Industries, FWO, T.M.C, Pakistan Mobile, TCS, and many others.

In his speech, the head of our state emphasized that during the fruitful negotiations held today, issues regarding the further expansion of multifaceted partnership were thoroughly discussed, and significant plans and objectives were outlined. An agreement was reached to establish a Supreme Council for Strategic Partnership.

Trade and economic cooperation was identified as the driving force behind bilateral relations.

– With immense potential, our economies can effectively complement each other, - noted the President.

As of last year, trade turnover exceeded $400 million, with 130 enterprises operating. In this context, Uzbekistan has become Pakistan's largest trading partner in Central Asia.

In recent years, joint efforts have been actively implemented to create favorable conditions for business. Air communication with Lahore has been restored, with plans to increase the number of flights and expand the geography of routes. Business forums and industrial exhibitions are being held. Trade houses have been established in Karachi and Tashkent.

Uzbek-Pakistani cooperation is being enriched with new projects. Initiatives with companies like Pak Merit, Diamond Group, Silk-way, Getz Pharm, Gerbion, NLS, and others are underway.

The head of our state proposed several suggestions for further expanding bilateral cooperation.

First and foremost, he highlighted the importance of regularly holding business events with broad participation from business representatives at least twice a year – in Uzbekistan and Pakistan.

Given the geographical proximity, the necessity to significantly increase trade volumes was emphasized, including through the expansion of the range of goods within the framework of the existing Preferential Trade Agreement, simplifying phytosanitary, quarantine, and customs procedures, and enhancing interbank transaction mechanisms. Special attention will be paid to the integration of electronic trading platforms.

Opportunities in transport and logistics are expanding. In recent years, cargo transportation volumes between the countries have increased fivefold. To enhance cooperation in this area, the establishment of a joint transport and logistics company is planned.

With satisfaction, the commencement of construction of a railway connecting China with Central Asia was noted. In the future, this strategic road could lead to the ports of Pakistan, significantly boosting mutual trade and investment.

The accelerated development of industrial cooperation aligns with the core interests of our countries.

This pertains to projects in pharmaceuticals, agriculture, geology, mining, electrical engineering, textiles, leather production, and other sectors.

The need for effective utilization of the potential of interregional cooperation was pointed out. In this context, the importance of activating mutual visits by regional leaders with broad participation from business missions of both countries was emphasized.

In turn, the Prime Minister of Pakistan, Shahbaz Sharif, highly appreciated the large-scale reforms being implemented under the leadership of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, as well as the conducive conditions for doing business, underscoring the significant opportunities for enhancing partnership.