ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Uzbekistan have pledged to strengthen their economic and industrial partnership, focusing on the housing and urban development sectors. The commitment was made during a meeting between Alisher Tukhtaev, the Ambassador of Uzbekistan to Pakistan, and Riaz Hussain Pirzada, Pakistan’s Minister for Housing and Works, held in Islamabad today.

The discussions centered on exploring potential collaborations in housing, communal development, and sustainable urban growth. Minister Pirzada acknowledged Uzbekistan’s rapidly expanding economy and highlighted the potential for mutually beneficial cooperation, particularly in light of Pakistan’s growing housing needs and pressing water scarcity issues.

Minister Pirzada emphasized the necessity of adopting innovative and sustainable urban development models. Ambassador Tukhtaev, in response, highlighted Uzbekistan’s expertise in urban development and expressed readiness to support Pakistan through training and capacity-building initiatives. These initiatives would focus on housing development, water recycling, green housing, and social infrastructure.

Ambassador Tukhtaev also offered Uzbekistan’s assistance in sharing experiences and models related to rainwater harvesting, high-rise construction, smart and green housing, and affordable housing for low-income groups. Furthermore, he proposed collaboration in policy and knowledge exchange in areas such as public procurement, legal and institutional reforms, and emerging construction trends. He emphasized Uzbekistan’s willingness to share technical expertise during a period of growth in the construction sector.

The meeting underscored the longstanding diplomatic relations between Pakistan and Uzbekistan and their shared resolve to translate these ties into concrete economic partnerships.