ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev on Thursday called on private sectors in both countries to deepen commercial engagement, setting a target to expand bilateral trade to $2 billion within five years.
The appeal came during the Pakistan–Uzbekistan Business Forum held in Islamabad, where government officials, investors and industry representatives from both sides discussed opportunities in trade, infrastructure, agriculture and mining.
Addressing the forum, Sharif said political goodwill must translate into concrete economic outcomes, urging businesses to explore joint ventures and cross-border investments. He said recent agreements were aimed at creating a practical framework for business-to-business cooperation.
President Mirziyoyev described entrepreneurs as the “key bridge” between the two countries and pledged continued policy support to improve the investment climate. He said both governments would work to remove administrative hurdles and facilitate smoother commercial activity.
Officials said Pakistan and Uzbekistan have steadily strengthened economic ties in recent years, with annual trade approaching $500 million. Both sides also signed multiple cooperation agreements covering sectors including transport connectivity, agriculture, climate resilience, mining and industrial development.
Later, President Asif Ali Zardari conferred Pakistan’s highest civilian award, Nishan-e-Pakistan, on President Mirziyoyev in recognition of his contribution to bilateral relations.
