Uzbekistan and Pakistan discuss expansion of trade and economic ties

The purpose of the visit is to purchase samples of Uzbek household appliances and building materials for the opening of the "show rooms" in Karachi, Lahore and Rawalpindi for further realization of goods throughout Pakistan.

Within the framework of the visit on 9 June 2018, the delegation met with First Deputy Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Uzbekistan I.Zhasimov.

During the meeting, the Pakistani side was acquainted with the state of development of the business environment in Uzbekistan, the goals and objectives of the "Strategy of Action for the Five Priority Areas for the Development of the Republic of Uzbekistan in 2017-2021", as well as the measures taken to support entrepreneurial activities in the country and the creation of a favorable investment climate in the framework of the "Year of support of active entrepreneurship, innovative ideas and technologies".

The parties also discussed the possibility of increasing the supply of Uzbek products to the market of Pakistan, in particular, chemical and shoe products, vegetables and fruits, agricultural machinery and agricultural equipment (tractors, seeders, trailers, cultivators, etc.), electrical equipment, textile and sewing and knitwear, technology, as well as travel services.

The Pakistani side expressed its readiness to assist in establishment of dealership and distribution offices of Uzbek companies in Pakistan, as well as Pakistan in Uzbekistan. As promising areas, the expansion of cooperation in the pharmaceutical industry and the involvement of leading Pakistani manufacturing companies in the special economic zones of Uzbekistan with a pharmaceutical profile were noted.

The parties discussed the issue of joint development of historical and religious tourism. The Pakistani side noted that both historical monuments of the era and sacred places of Uzbekistan for pilgrim tourism represent mutual interest for tourists.

Following the meeting, an agreement was reached to implement joint projects and submit proposals to the secretariat of the Uzbek-Pakistani Business Council on the development of bilateral economic ties.

The parties also reached an agreement on organization of the second meeting of the Business Council in Tashkent in September 2018

Within the framework of the visit the delegation, it is planned to visit the historical cities of the republic - Samarkand and Bukhara, meetings in the State Tourism Development Committee, the Khokimiyat of Tashkent region with a visit to the Angren FEZ, Uzagrotekhsanoatholding, Uzstroymaterialy, as well as visits to the production lines of Artel.

The visit of the delegation continues until 12 July 2018.

It should be noted that Uzbekistan is the largest trading center of Pakistan in Central Asia. Turnover between two states in 2017 reached US$36.2 million (including exports – US$9.9 million, imports - US$26.3 million).