Experts Discuss Interconnectedness and Sustainable Development in Central and South Asia

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — The Institute for Strategic and Interregional Studies under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan (ISMI), in collaboration with the Institute of Regional Studies of Pakistan and with support from the Embassy of Uzbekistan in Pakistan, organized an expert online conference titled “Uzbekistan–Pakistan: Strategic Partnership, Interconnectedness, and Sustainable Development in a Changing World.”

The conference brought together heads of diplomatic missions from both countries, leadership and experts from leading analytical and educational centers in Uzbekistan and Pakistan, as well as representatives from business and diplomatic sectors.

Participants discussed in detail priority areas of cooperation between Uzbekistan and Pakistan, including political dialogue, regional security, the development of trade and economic links, and collaboration in education, workforce development, digitalization, and emerging technologies. Experts noted that bilateral relations have reached a qualitatively new level, evolving into a strategic partnership, largely due to the decisive role and political will of the two countries’ leaders. High levels of trust and constructive dialogue, as well as shared long-term interests in security, economic development, and regional growth, form a solid foundation for further deepening practical cooperation.

Opening the event, ISMI Director Eldor Aripov emphasized that Uzbekistan–Pakistan relations have achieved a new institutional dimension. He highlighted that the establishment of the Strategic Partnership Council marks a systemic and long-term approach to bilateral engagement, reflecting the understanding that the integration of Central and South Asia is not a temporary initiative but an objective necessity driven by common strategic interests.

Aripov noted the growing potential of bilateral trade and economic ties, pointing out that trade turnover between Uzbekistan and Pakistan has increased twelvefold in recent years, with a medium-term target of reaching $2 billion. He stressed the importance of moving beyond simple trade toward the creation of joint value-added production chains, as well as strengthening cooperation in information technology, education, and workforce development.

Aripov also highlighted the strategic significance of the Trans-Afghan corridor, describing it not merely as a transport route but as a geoeconomic project capable of drastically reducing delivery times and transforming the region into a key node of Eurasian connectivity.

Addressing the conference, Director of the Islamabad Institute of Regional Studies Jawahar Salim noted that “trust and constructive dialogue between the leadership of the two countries provide a solid foundation for practical initiatives.” He emphasized that Uzbekistan–Pakistan relations encompass key areas of cooperation, including the economy, trade, energy, education, and culture. He also highlighted the significant potential for expanding joint educational programs and technology exchange as a strategic factor enhancing market access and economic stability.

Former Minister of Finance and Chairman of the Pakistan Investment Council Haroon Sharif stressed the importance of institutional mechanisms and private-sector involvement. “Trade is sustainable only when supported by real investment and functioning economic mechanisms,” he said. He proposed creating market-oriented financial structures and joint investment platforms to support business and emphasized the need for coordinated development of transport infrastructure, including land ports and logistics hubs, to reduce costs and ensure economically beneficial cooperation.

Major General Muhammad Samrez Salik, a lecturer at the National Defence University in Islamabad, highlighted the geo-economic potential of the two countries. “Pakistan and Uzbekistan could become the core of regional economic integration if each state’s strengths are fully utilized,” he said. He emphasized the strategic importance of transport corridors, noting that the Trans-Afghan railway could reduce cargo delivery times from Uzbekistan to Pakistani ports from 35 to 3–5 days, providing a direct economic advantage.

Amina Khan, Director of the Center for the Study of Afghanistan, the Middle East, and Africa at the Islamabad Strategic Studies Institute, emphasized the role of human capital investment as the foundation of sustainable partnership. “Infrastructure connects countries, but it is people—through education, skills, and technology—that ensure the resilience of partnerships,” she said. She highlighted Uzbekistan’s progress in educational reform and digital transformation, as well as Pakistan’s potential in English-language higher education, medical, and research cooperation. Khan proposed establishing a Pakistan–Uzbek human capital and technology dialogue to advance technical and vocational education, stressing that joint research supports locally relevant solutions for bilateral and regional challenges. She also suggested developing trilateral cooperation with Afghanistan to scale initiatives promoting interconnectedness between Central and South Asia, citing the Termez International Trade Center Free Zone as an example of an integrated economic ecosystem encompassing education, healthcare, trade, and regional transit.

Aziza Mukhammedova, lead researcher at the Institute for Advanced International Studies under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan, emphasized that “without stable security, ambitious development and integration plans are impossible. Joint counterterrorism measures, intelligence sharing, and defense cooperation are now essential conditions for economic growth and regional integration. Transport and trade projects, including the Uzbekistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan railway, create economic incentives and reduce instability.”

Shokhzahon Shikhnazarov, chief specialist at the Center for Transport and Logistics Studies under Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Transport, stressed the practical importance of transport and logistics cooperation: “By the end of 2025, cargo throughput through Pakistani ports reached 450,000 tons, up 37% from the previous year. This reduces delivery times and lowers logistics costs. Successful operation of these routes requires international cooperation, joint forums, and pilot projects, including the development of the Belarus–Russia–Kazakhstan–Uzbekistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan multimodal corridor and new railway lines through Afghanistan.”

In conclusion, participants emphasized that the development of Uzbekistan–Pakistan strategic partnership requires a multidimensional cooperation model based on industrial cooperation, technology, education, joint production chains, and coordinated approaches to sustainable development.

As a result of the conference, it was agreed to establish a permanent Uzbekistan–Pakistan Expert Council between the ISMI under the President of Uzbekistan and the Islamabad Institute of Regional Studies. The council will serve as a platform for analytical support of the strategic partnership, coordination of joint initiatives, and preparation of policy recommendations for leadership.