Pakistan, Uzbekistan eye $2bn bilateral trade

Pakistan and Uzbekistan have set a target of raising bilateral trade to $2 billion over the next five years, according to Business Recorder. Direct air links between the two countries are also expected to grow to nine weekly flights by October 2026. The plan was outlined at a reception in Islamabad marking Uzbekistan's 35th Independence Day.

Uzbekistan's ambassador, Alisher Tukhtaev, credited the friendship between President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif as the main force behind closer ties. He said the two leaders met on the sidelines of the SCO summit in Bishkek and reaffirmed their commitment to existing agreements. Tukhtaev also welcomed Pakistan's chairmanship of the SCO and ECO and called the proposed Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan railway perhaps the most important future project.

Tukhtaev said both countries are working on investment projects, trade houses, banking ties and easier movement of goods, while business communities increase direct contact. Regular passenger flights now link Tashkent with Islamabad and Lahore, cargo flights have started, and new routes to Karachi are planned. Federal Energy Minister Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari, the chief guest, said Pakistan wants wider cooperation in energy, trade, investment and regional connectivity.