On February 6, during the business part of the state visit in Islamabad, the President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and the Prime Minister of Pakistan Shahbaz Sharif took part in a joint business forum. The main goal was openly stated: to give a new "speed" to economic cooperation and bring mutual trade turnover to $2 billion. A protocol confirming this intention was also signed.
The forum was far from a "empty talk" format: more than 300 representatives of leading industrial enterprises, trade companies, and industry organizations from the two countries gathered at the event. Large brands from Pakistan, such as PEL, Waves Singer, Fauji, Engro, Fatima Group, Pakistan Steel Mills, Fast Cables, were also on the field - that is, the agreements spoke not on paper, but in the language of real business.
In his speech, the head of state noted that the high-level talks have brought Uzbek-Pakistani relations, especially in trade, economic, and investment areas, to a new level. It was noted that for the first time in the history of cooperation, a protocol was signed, providing for the deepening of economic partnership and bringing trade to $2 billion.
After that, the question of "who will do what now" didn't remain in the air. The responsible officials of the two countries were instructed to develop a comprehensive roadmap and introduce a mechanism for the prompt resolution of problems. That is, bureaucracy should not say "later" - a quick solution, a quick result.
In which areas are great opportunities opening up?
At the forum, the priorities of economic partnership were clearly listed:
Pharmaceuticals and medicine
Pakistani companies were invited to participate in projects for the localization of medicines, biotechnologies, and medical equipment in Uzbekistan. It was noted that favorable conditions will be created for Pakistani investors in the Tashkent Pharmaceutical Park.
Light industry and textile industry
It was emphasized that there is great potential for joint production of finished textile products for international brands. Readiness was also expressed to transfer textile enterprises to trust management and to create separate leather industry zones for Pakistani partners.
Agriculture and Food Security
The prospects for cooperation with the National Genomics Institute of Pakistan in the joint cultivation of meat, potatoes, and rice, seed production, and breeding were highlighted.
If logistics is resolved, trade will also "fly away"
It was openly stated that roads and transport are crucial factors for increasing trade volume. It was noted that cargo transportation has been established along the Pakistan-China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan route, flights to Lahore and Islamabad are being operated, and the Trans-Afghan railway project is being promoted. The most interesting thing is that from April, cargo flights to Karachi and direct passenger flights to Lahore are planned.
There is also a plan to strengthen ties in the context of regions: the initiative to hold the first interregional forum this year was supported. This means that cooperation will work not only in the capitals, but also at the regional level.
The final part was both official and practical: the leader of Uzbekistan and the Prime Minister of Pakistan signed a separate protocol on the agreements reached - it outlined deadlines and responsible leaders. A number of investment and trade-economic agreements were also exchanged in the presence of the leaders.
In conclusion, it can be said: this forum is not a historical frame that says "we agreed," but a starting line for turning economic ties into real numbers. If the roadmap works really fast, the 2 billion mark is no longer a dream - it's a plan.
Read “Zamin” on Telegram!
