Pakistan, Uzbekistan Target $2 Billion Bilateral Trade in Five Years

Pakistan and Uzbekistan have set a target to increase bilateral trade to $2 billion over the next five years, alongside plans to expand direct air connectivity between the two countries to nine weekly flights by October 2026.

 

The announcement was made during a reception hosted by the Embassy of Uzbekistan in Islamabad to mark the country’s 35th Independence Day. Federal Energy Minister Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari attended the event as chief guest, along with senior officials, diplomats, parliamentarians and business representatives.

 

Uzbekistan’s Ambassador to Pakistan Alisher Tukhtaev said stronger ties between President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif were helping drive closer relations between the two countries.

 

He said both leaders had recently held a productive meeting on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Bishkek, reaffirming their commitment to implementing existing agreements and deepening the strategic partnership.

 

Tukhtaev said Uzbekistan welcomed Pakistan’s leadership of the SCO and the Economic Cooperation Organisation (ECO), expressing readiness to work with Islamabad on regional connectivity, economic cooperation, peace and sustainable development.

 

On trade, the ambassador said both countries were taking steps to achieve the $2 billion target by increasing business-to-business engagement, supporting investment projects, establishing trade houses, strengthening banking links and facilitating cross-border movement of goods.

 

Air connectivity has also improved significantly. While there were no direct flights between Pakistan and Uzbekistan two years ago, regular passenger services now operate between Tashkent and Islamabad and Lahore. Direct cargo services have also been introduced, while additional routes, including Karachi, are expected to take the number of weekly flights to nine by October.

 

Tukhtaev described the proposed Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan railway as one of the most significant projects for future regional connectivity. He said the rail link could connect Central and South Asian markets, increase trade, create employment opportunities and contribute to greater regional stability and prosperity.

 

He added that Pakistan remained an important partner for Uzbekistan, with both countries sharing common goals related to connectivity, development and regional peace.

 

The ambassador also expressed appreciation for Pakistan’s decision to confer the Nishan-e-Pakistan, the country’s highest civil award, on President Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

 

Speaking at the event, Federal Energy Minister Awais Leghari said Pakistan attached significant importance to its relationship with Uzbekistan and was keen to expand cooperation in energy, trade, investment and regional connectivity.

 

He said improved transport infrastructure could create new economic opportunities, while stronger institutional and people-to-people links would further strengthen bilateral relations.

 

The event was held alongside Uzbekistan Tourism Days in Pakistan, which seek to promote tourism and deepen cultural and humanitarian ties between the two countries.