Ulaanbaatar: Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal, attending the Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation Programme in Mongolia, has called for the development of bankable projects and improved regional connectivity between Pakistan and Uzbekistan. The meeting with Uzbekistan’s Deputy Minister of Investment, Industry and Trade, Ilzat Kasimov, emphasized the significance of the Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan Railway as a key transformative link between Central Asia and Pakistan’s ports.

According to Press Information Department, Ahsan Iqbal stressed the need for Pakistan and Uzbekistan to progress from political understanding to projects with measurable economic outcomes. He proposed expediting the feasibility study of the railway, identifying financing options, and establishing a clear roadmap for implementation. Ahsan Iqbal suggested creating a Pakistan-Uzbekistan Joint Financing Coordination Mechanism to engage international financial institutions and development partners for regional projects.

The Minister highlighted the potential of the railway as an integrated economic corridor, connecting railways, highways, logistics, ports, and industrial centers. He advocated for increased investment-led trade and joint ventures in sectors such as textiles, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, minerals, engineering, and IT. Both sides agreed on the importance of converting existing agreements into concrete projects with clear timelines and financing arrangements to strengthen economic cooperation between Pakistan and Uzbekistan.