ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Uzbekistan have set an ambitious target to increase bilateral trade to $2 billion, reinforcing efforts to strengthen economic ties and connect South Asia with Central Asia.
The commitment was highlighted during a roundtable titled “Uzbekistan–Pakistan: Bridging Regions and Creating New Opportunities” held in Tashkent, with participation from government officials, business leaders, academics and policy experts from both countries.
Organised in coordination with Pakistan’s embassy in Uzbekistan, the forum reviewed progress since the two nations formalised a strategic partnership in 2021 and explored new avenues in trade, transport, education, science and cultural exchange.
Officials noted that bilateral trade reached about $400 million last year, reflecting growing commercial engagement. Both sides reiterated their resolve to expand investment flows and improve logistics links to accelerate growth.
Momentum has also been supported by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s official visit to Uzbekistan in February 2025, which resulted in agreements covering commerce, transport connectivity, education and security cooperation.
Participants highlighted the launch of the UzbekPak International Trading Centre and UzbekPak Cultural Centre in Karachi as key steps toward facilitating business and people-to-people ties.
Transport connectivity featured prominently in discussions, including progress on the proposed Uzbekistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan railway corridor, aimed at creating a direct route between Central and South Asia. Air cargo links between Tashkent and Karachi were also cited as an emerging channel for agricultural and industrial trade.
Both sides agreed to strengthen collaboration among academic institutions and business communities and develop practical recommendations for future high-level engagement, with the goal of turning regional integration into tangible economic outcomes.
