Today, leaders and representatives of more than 300 industrial and trading companies attended Uzbekistan-Pakistan Business Forum in Islamabad.
The President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and the Prime Minister of Pakistan Shahbaz Sharif addressed the event.
Shavkat Mirziyoyev underscored that the previous day's talks marked a new stage in the development of relations between the two countries, particularly in trade, economic, and investment areas.
According to the Pakistani government press service, a total of 28 Agreements and MoUs in the fields of trade & investment, mining, health, information technology, agriculture, education, research, maritime cooperation, and sports were exchanged between the two sides.
Underlining the multidimensional cooperation between Pakistan and Uzbekistan, the two leaders agreed to further enhance mutually beneficial cooperation in the areas of mining, energy, defence, tourism, education, and culture. The two leaders also reiterated their commitment to enhance bilateral trade up to USD 2 Billion.
The President of Uzbekistan identified pharmaceuticals and medicine, light industry, mining and metallurgy, geology, food security, and other areas as priority areas for bilateral cooperation.
He invited Pakistani companies to participate in projects to manufacture pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and medical equipment in Uzbekistan. Pakistani investors will be provided with favorable conditions for operating in the Tashkent Pharmaceutical Park, the head of state announced.
Shavkat Mirziyoyev underscored the huge untapped potential for cooperation in the joint production of finished textile products for international brands. Uzbekistan is ready to transfer textile enterprises to trust management and create separate leather industry zones for Pakistani partners.
Special attention was given to the prospects for joint production of meat, potatoes, and rice, as well as a partnership with the National Genomics Institute of Pakistan in seed production and breeding.
He cited strengthening transport and logistics connectivity as an important prerequisite for increasing trade. Freight transport has commenced on the Pakistan-China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan route, air service has been launched to Lahore and Islamabad, and the Trans-Afghan Railway project is advancing. Cargo flights to Karachi and direct passenger flights to Lahore will begin in April.
At the conclusion of the forum, the President of Uzbekistan and the Prime Minister of Pakistan signed a separate protocol on the agreements reached.
