Uzbekistan Delegation Discusses Expansion of Bilateral Trade and Investment with Punjab Minister

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — A delegation from Uzbekistan held a working meeting with Chaudhry Shafay Hussain, Minister of Industry and Trade of Pakistan’s Punjab province, confirming both sides’ intention to strengthen bilateral trade and investment ties, according to Pakistani media.

The delegation was led by Nurdinjon Ismoilov, Speaker of the Legislative Chamber (Oliy Majlis) of Uzbekistan. Members included Uzbekistan’s Ambassador to Pakistan Alisher Takhtaev, Honorary Consul Najib Mushtaq Vohra, deputy heads of parliamentary committees, and leaders of relevant institutions.

During the meeting, the sides agreed to expand economic cooperation through increased mutual trade and investment collaboration. Responsible coordinators were appointed, and a decision was made to regularly exchange trade delegations to deepen commercial contacts.

Minister Chaudhry Shafay Hussain highlighted Punjab’s high investment potential, especially in special economic zones, and invited Uzbek investors to explore joint projects in key sectors including agriculture, tourism, energy, electric transport, and industrial production. He also noted the creation of a “Surgical City,” “Textile City,” and “Pharmaceutical Valley” in the region to attract and support foreign investment, promising full support for Uzbek investors.

Uzbekistan’s parliamentary speaker Nurdinjon Ismoilov praised Punjab’s initiatives to improve the investment climate, including the establishment of a public center in Faisalabad, and stressed the importance of further strengthening trade relations. He announced the upcoming visit of an Uzbek business delegation to Punjab and invited Minister Shafay Hussain to visit Uzbekistan to continue collaborative efforts.

Ambassador Alisher Takhtaev emphasized the importance of concrete steps to deepen bilateral trade and noted that the minister’s visit to Uzbekistan will include meetings with local business entities to explore cooperation prospects.

The meeting also included Dr. Imran Hashmi, Director of the Punjab Investment and Trade Council.