Pakistan to expand trade ties with Uzbekistan

Adviser to Prime Minister on Commerce and Investment Abdul Razak Dawood on Wednesday said trade and investment ties between Pakistan and Uzbekistan would be strengthened through institutional mechanisms and private sector joint ventures.

During a meeting with Uzbekistan Charge d'affaires Sadullah Tashmatov, the upcoming visit of Uzbekistan Deputy Prime Minister Sardor Umurzakov to Pakistan was discussed.

Dawood emphasised the significance of developing connectivity for harnessing and deepening the bilateral relationship. "Pakistan is keen to develop backward and forward linkages in textile, pharmaceutical, leather and agriculture sectors with Uzbekistan," he added.

During the visit, both sides will sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for the establishment of Pakistan-Uzbekistan Joint Working Group on Trade and Investment.

Inaugural session of the joint working group is also likely to be held during the visit. Both sides have agreed to work together for improving connectivity, establishing banking channels and enhancing bilateral trade.

Earlier in May 2020, the adviser invited the deputy prime minister to visit Pakistan along with a delegation to deliberate on bilateral economic relations.

In a meeting with the deputy prime minister in May, discussions were held on business-to-business cooperation as well as utilisation of Gwadar and Karachi ports for trade. All these suggestions will also be taken up in the upcoming visit scheduled for next month.

The Uzbek envoy also discussed the development of connectivity through road, rail and air linkages between both the countries. He expressed interest in using the Sialkot International Airport for trade.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 20^th, 2020.

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