"Uzbekistan’s transformation is a miracle on its own," says PM Shehbaz Sharif

Prime Minister of Pakistan Shehbaz Sharif has commended Uzbekistan’s economic progress under President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s leadership, calling it a “miracle” achieved through strategic vision and relentless effort.

“From the very first days of your leadership, you have transformed Uzbekistan. You have rebuilt society,” Sharif stated. 

He highlighted Uzbekistan’s significant achievements, pointing out that in 2016, the country’s poverty rate stood at 42%, while trade indicators were low. 

“Today, the poverty rate has dropped to 8%, and the volume of investments has reached $30bn. Isn’t this a miracle on its own?!” he remarked.

Sharif emphasized that such progress could not be achieved through words alone but required a clear vision, high dynamism, and bold decision-making. 

“Miracles happen through clear vision, high dynamism, relentless effort, and a bold pursuit of a common goal. I have seen these great qualities in you," he added, addressing President Mirziyoyev.

Under Mirziyoyev’s leadership, Uzbekistan has implemented extensive economic and social reforms, attracting foreign investment, modernizing industries, and enhancing regional cooperation. The country’s poverty reduction and growing investment volume have drawn international recognition, positioning Uzbekistan as an emerging economic player in Central Asia.

PM visit to Uzbekistan

On February 26, Tashkent’s International Congress Center hosted an official ceremony to welcome Pakistan’s Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif, on his visit to Uzbekistan. The two leaders reviewed the guard of honor, introduced their delegations, and proceeded to negotiations following a joint photo session.

Leaders highlighted that the trade between Uzbekistan and Pakistan exceeded $400mn in 2024, with 130 joint ventures in operation. Uzbekistan has become Pakistan’s leading trade partner in Central Asia. To enhance cooperation, both sides agreed to establish a high-level strategic partnership council. Mirziyoyev proposed holding biannual business forums, expanding trade through the Preferential Trade Agreement, and improving interbank settlements. The integration of electronic trading platforms was also emphasized.

It was also noted that transport and logistics collaboration remains a priority, with cargo transportation increasing fivefold in recent years. Plans are underway to establish a joint transport and logistics company and advance the China-Central Asia railway project to improve access to Pakistani ports.

As part of the visit, the Uzbekistan-Pakistan Business Forum was also organized, bringing together around 300 business leaders from both countries. Discussions focused on boosting trade turnover to $2bn through measures such as expanding traded goods, streamlining customs procedures, harmonizing standards, and enhancing digital trade platforms. Trading houses have been established in Karachi and Tashkent, and direct flights between Tashkent and Lahore have resumed.

Investment cooperation is said to be growing as well, with joint projects planned in pharmaceuticals, electrical engineering, agricultural machinery, textiles, and leather. Mirziyoyev suggested hosting a regional leaders' forum in Uzbekistan to further business and cultural ties.

To support trade, both nations aim to enhance transit and transport links, particularly through the "Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan" multimodal corridor, which has seen a fivefold increase in cargo transport. The leaders reaffirmed commitment to the Trans-Afghan Railway project and scheduled the next intergovernmental commission meeting for July in Lahore.

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