Pakistan and Uzbekistan Accelerate Expansion of Preferential Trade and Introduce EDI

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Pakistan and Uzbekistan have agreed to accelerate the expansion of the Preferential Trade Agreement and introduce electronic data interchange in order to achieve bilateral trade turnover of US$2 billion.

During an official visit to Tashkent on 11 December 2025, Pakistan’s Prime Minister’s Coordinator on Commerce and Industry, Ihsan Afzal, held talks with Shokhrukh Gulamov, Deputy Minister of Investment, Industry and Trade of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

Both sides reaffirmed their determination to increase bilateral trade to US$2 billion within the next two years, in line with the vision of the Prime Minister of Pakistan and the President of Uzbekistan.

Particular attention during the meeting was devoted to the accelerated expansion of the existing Preferential Trade Agreement. Deputy Minister Gulamov reported that work on a significantly expanded list of goods had been completed and expressed confidence that the updated PTA would be formally signed in the near future.

Ihsan Afzal emphasized the need to standardize documentation, harmonize customs procedures and inspection protocols, and introduce a digital data exchange system to reduce delays and enhance trade transparency. He highlighted the importance of real-time cross-border information sharing.

Deputy Minister Gulamov confirmed full support for the initiative and noted that technical teams from both countries are actively working on the implementation of an electronic data interchange (EDI) system between the relevant authorities of Pakistan and Uzbekistan.

From the Uzbek side, textiles, leather goods, pharmaceuticals, and surgical instruments were identified as key sectors for joint ventures and technology transfer from Pakistan.

Both delegations agreed to intensify business-to-business engagement and organize reciprocal trade missions to translate political will into tangible commercial outcomes.

Ihsan Afzal expressed gratitude for the warm reception and reaffirmed Pakistan’s firm commitment to further deepening economic ties with brotherly Uzbekistan.