Trade turnover between Uzbekistan and Pakistan surpassed $400mn in 2024, and the number of joint ventures reached 130, reflecting the growing economic cooperation between the two nations. To build on this momentum, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Prime Minister of Pakistan Shahbaz Sharif on February 26, held high-level talks to identify priority areas for expanding their strategic partnership.
The leaders emphasized the importance of increasing trade turnover to $2bn under an agreed roadmap. Key measures include expanding the list of traded goods, simplifying customs and phytosanitary procedures, harmonizing standards, and integrating electronic trading platforms. The two countries have also established trading houses in Karachi and Tashkent and resumed direct flights between Tashkent and Lahore.
Investment cooperation is also expanding, with major projects planned in pharmaceuticals, electrical engineering, agricultural machinery, textiles, and the leather industry. President Mirziyoyev proposed organizing a forum for regional leaders of both countries in Uzbekistan to strengthen business and cultural ties.
To support trade growth, both sides focused on improving transit and transport connectivity. Cargo transportation via the "Uzbekistan - Afghanistan - Pakistan" multimodal corridor has increased fivefold in recent years. To further facilitate trade, a joint transport and logistics company will be established.
The leaders also reaffirmed their commitment to advancing the Trans-Afghan Railway project, agreeing to coordinate efforts for its implementation. Additionally, they set the next intergovernmental commission meeting for July in Lahore.
Recognizing the importance of cultural and humanitarian exchanges, Uzbekistan and Pakistan agreed to hold mutual Cultural Weeks and tourism program presentations. Discussions also covered regional security challenges, with both sides stressing the need to combat terrorism, radicalism, and Islamophobia.
To further institutionalize cooperation, the two countries agreed to establish a High-Level Strategic Partnership Council, with its first meeting scheduled for next year.
Additionally, both sides pledged to develop a joint roadmap to ensure the timely implementation of agreements and initiatives aimed at deepening Uzbek-Pakistani ties.
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