Pakistan, Uzbekistan eye $2bn bilateral trade

Pakistan and Uzbekistan are aiming to double their bilateral trade to $2 billion within the next five years, according to a recent announcement. Additionally, direct air connectivity between the two nations is set to grow, with nine weekly flights expected by October 2026, marking a significant step in deepening economic and strategic ties.

This announcement coincided with Uzbekistan's 35th Independence Day celebrations, which were marked by a grand reception hosted by the Embassy of Uzbekistan in Islamabad. Federal Minister for Energy Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari served as the chief guest at the event, alongside senior government officials, diplomats, parliamentarians, and business leaders.

Uzbekistan's Ambassador to Pakistan, Alisher Tukhtaev, emphasized that the strong friendship and trust between President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif form the cornerstone of the growing bilateral relationship. He revealed that the two leaders had recently held a productive meeting at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Summit in Bishkek, reinforcing their commitment to implementing existing agreements and further strengthening their strategic partnership.

Tukhtaev also expressed Uzbekistan's enthusiasm for Pakistan's assumption of the chairmanship of the SCO and the Economic Cooperation Organisation, highlighting the potential for regional unity, practical cooperation, peace, stability, and sustainable development. On the economic front, Tukhtaev stated that Uzbekistan and Pakistan are working towards the $2 billion trade target by enhancing direct contacts between their business communities, supporting investment projects, developing trade houses, strengthening banking relations, and facilitating smoother transportation of goods.

The ambassador also pointed out that direct air connectivity has surged rapidly, noting that only two years ago, there were no direct flights between the two countries. Currently, regular passenger services operate between Tashkent and Islamabad and Lahore, while direct cargo flights have been introduced. Furthermore, new routes, including flights to Karachi, are set to launch, potentially increasing the number of weekly flights to nine by October 2026.

Tukhtaev identified the proposed Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan railway as a crucial project for the future, stating that it could transform regional connectivity by linking markets, creating jobs, boosting trade, and contributing to a region of peace and shared prosperity. He emphasized that Pakistan holds a special place in Uzbekistan's foreign policy, being viewed as a brotherly country that shares a vision of peace, connectivity, and development.

Furthermore, Tukhtaev praised Pakistan for bestowing upon President Shavkat Mirziyoyev its highest civil award, Nishan-e-Pakistan, viewing the honor as a testament to Pakistan's respect for the Uzbek president and the exceptional relationship between the two nations.