Islamabad: The Uzbek Ambassador to Pakistan, Alisher Tukhtaev, met with the Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Industries and Production, Haroon Akhtar Khan, in Islamabad to explore avenues for bolstering economic and industrial cooperation between Uzbekistan and Pakistan.

During the meeting, Ambassador Tukhtaev expressed gratitude towards Pakistan for its consistent support and highlighted the potential for deeper collaboration in sectors such as agriculture, pharmaceuticals, energy, and food processing.

Haroon Akhtar Khan affirmed Pakistan’s dedication to enhancing bilateral relations, aligning with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s vision of increasing investment and industrial cooperation. Khan emphasized the Prime Minister’s goal of boosting bilateral trade with Uzbekistan to USD 2 billion, noting that efforts are actively underway.

Key points of discussion included collaboration in public procurement and joint ventures within Special Economic Zones. Both parties also explored opportunities for industrial cooperation in e-commerce, with the Uzbek Ambassador inviting Pakistani digital companies to invest in Uzbekistan.

The dialogue further included proposals for joint production of construction materials and partnerships in the mining and processing of metals. The Ambassador announced the upcoming Uzbekistan-Pakistan Business Forum in Karachi, scheduled for June 25, aimed at strengthening business-to-business connections.

Also discussed was the prospect of a “Made in Pakistan” Exhibition in Uzbekistan to enhance trade connectivity. Both sides acknowledged the significance of phytosanitary cooperation to boost food and agricultural exports.

The meeting concluded with both parties expressing a mutual commitment to transform their longstanding diplomatic relationship into a robust economic and industrial partnership, underscored by the recent initiation of direct flights between Tashkent and Islamabad.