Uzbek delegation eyes trade beyond $114m

Banking links, logistics hurdles and textile cooperation pact discussed

LAHORE:

The All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (APTMA) and a visiting Uzbek trade delegation have agreed to work towards expanding bilateral trade beyond the current level of $114 million, with textiles identified as a priority sector.

According to a statement issued on Friday, the understanding was reached during a meeting held at APTMA House in Lahore on January 23, 2026, between members and office-bearers of APTMA and representatives of Uzbekistan's public and private sectors.

The Uzbek delegation included senior officials and business leaders and was received by APTMA Chairman Kamran Arshad and other senior executives and textile exporters.

The delegation briefed APTMA members on steps being undertaken by the governments of Pakistan and Uzbekistan, in coordination with trade associations, to increase bilateral trade and benefit from the strengths of both countries. They said the visit was part of a broader engagement plan, with additional Uzbek business delegations expected in the coming months.

The head of the delegation said Pakistan and Uzbekistan shared long-standing relations and should cooperate rather than compete. He informed the meeting that Uzbekistan Trade Centres had been established in Karachi and Lahore to facilitate Pakistani exporters.

The delegation said several agreements had already been signed to ease trade flows, while an agreement between the State Bank of Pakistan and an Uzbek bank was being pursued to strengthen banking cooperation. They also noted that direct flights between Pakistan and Tashkent had commenced and that more flights were being operationalised to facilitate travel.

APTMA Chairman Kamran Arshad pointed to obstacles including logistics, letters of credit, labelling requirements, land-route security through Afghanistan, delays in trade agreements and the unfinished trans-Afghan railway, while calling for improved banking channels and regular business exchanges.