Tashkent Region Strengthens Partnership with Punjab

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — A delegation from Tashkent Region, led by Hokim Zoir Mirzaev, is on a working visit to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, aimed at expanding economic and cultural cooperation.

The visit began in the historic city of Lahore, where the delegation met with Muhammad Nawaz Sharif, leader of the Pakistan Muslim League, and Maryam Nawaz Sharif, Chief Minister of Punjab Province. The parties highlighted the steady development of friendly ties between Uzbekistan and Pakistan, emphasizing that President of Uzbekistan’s state visit to Pakistan in February 2026 marked a key stage in strengthening bilateral partnerships across political, trade, investment, transport, logistics, and humanitarian sectors.

During the negotiations, an agreement was reached to establish cooperation between Tashkent Region and Punjab Province as “sister regions,” focusing on agriculture, textiles, tourism, livestock, leather production, investment projects, and cultural initiatives. Pakistan expressed interest in expanding collaboration with Uzbekistan and supported the proposals presented by Mirzaev, who invited Punjab’s leadership to visit Tashkent Region to explore its investment, industrial, and tourism potential.

A Pakistani-Uzbek Business Forum was held at the Lahore Chamber of Commerce, where Mirzaev presented Tashkent Region’s investment opportunities, industrial capabilities, agricultural potential, logistics, and processing industries. Pakistani entrepreneurs were briefed on conditions for foreign investors and ongoing regional reforms.

Currently, 22 joint ventures involving Pakistani capital operate in Tashkent Region, attracting more than US$200 million in foreign investment, producing approximately US$300 million worth of goods annually, and employing nearly 1,500 people. In 2025, nine companies exported US$3.6 million worth of goods to Pakistan, including cotton yarn, legumes, oilseeds, and industrial products.

By the end of 2026, three additional projects totaling US$38 million are expected to launch in pharmaceuticals, sericulture, and match production. Meetings were also held with leading companies such as Zarea, Royal Leather Industries, and Hawk Fire Industries to discuss agricultural trade, export-import expansion via e-trade platforms, and joint projects in logistics, agribusiness, and leather processing for export.

Special focus was given to investment projects for developing the leather and footwear industry in Tashkent Region. The delegation also visited the Uzbekistan Trade House in Lahore to discuss measures to promote Uzbek products in Pakistan and strengthen business contacts.

The working visit of Tashkent Region’s delegation in Pakistan is ongoing.