Pakistan would encourage private sector airlines to expedite trade and tourism links with Uzbekistan with a view to boost cooperation between two countries in the tourism sector, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) on Industries Haroon Akhtar Khan announced on Friday.
Khan held a meeting with the Uzbekistan's Tourism Minister Umid Shadiev to deepen bilateral cooperation in the tourism sector, said a press release.
Ambassador of Uzbekistan to Pakistan Alisher Tukhtaev was also present on the occasion.
During the meeting, both sides highlighted the vast potential for bilateral collaboration in the field of tourism.
Khan said that Pakistan was fully prepared to cooperate with Uzbekistan to strengthen tourism ties, promote cultural exchange, and preserve shared heritage.
Khan announced that the Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), on the directives of the prime minister, would commence international flights to Uzbekistan.
Additionally, he added, private airlines would also be engaged to expedite trade and tourism links.
"Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has envisioned landmark projects in the areas of tourism, heritage, and people-to-people exchanges," Khan stated. "Efforts are under way to facilitate travellers from both countries, including easing visa processes and travel-related services," he added.
He emphasised that time had come to look towards Central Asia, which held immense opportunities for economic and cultural growth.
He underscored that tourism played a vital role in enhancing GDP and exports.
Shadiev appreciated the growing bilateral ties and mentioned that several memoranda of understanding (MoUs) had already been signed between the two countries. He also underscored the importance of encouraging the hardworking people of both nations through mutual cooperation.
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