PM, Uzbekistan President Discuss Ways to Strengthen Cooperation in Industry, Agriculture
PM Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif met Shavkat Mirziyoyev, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, on the sidelines of the SCO Council of Heads of State Meeting and discussed further strengthening cooperation in various sectors.
Key Discussion Points:
- Industry, Agriculture, Pharmaceuticals, Textiles, Mining: Both leaders expressed a desire to expand collaboration in these fields.
- Digital Technologies: They emphasized the importance of leveraging digital technologies for mutual growth.
- Education and Culture: The Prime Minister acknowledged the value of educational and cultural exchanges between Pakistan and Uzbekistan.
- Defence and Security: Cooperation in defence and security was also a significant topic of discussion.
Ministers Present: Jam Kamal Khan (Commerce), Abdul Aleem Khan (Communications), and Attaullah Tarar (Information and Broadcasting).
Anniversary Celebrations:
The Prime Minister congratulated President Mirziyoyev and the people of Uzbekistan on the 35th anniversary of their country’s independence, remembering his recent state visit to Pakistan in February 2026.
Strategic Partnership:
Recalling the successful visit and the inaugural meeting of the High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council, the Prime Minister stressed the need for implementing decisions taken at the leadership level, especially regarding trade, investment, connectivity, and economic cooperation. He set a target to increase bilateral trade to US$2 billion by 2029 and called for stronger business engagement.
Regional Connectivity:
- Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan Railway: The Prime Minister highlighted the potential of this railway in connecting Central and South Asia and facilitating Uzbekistan’s access to Pakistan’s seaports. He urged early progress on the Joint Feasibility Study and better utilization of existing transport corridors.
- Air Connectivity: He also supported enhanced air connectivity, including direct flights between Tashkent and Karachi.
Future Collaboration:
The Prime Minister expressed Pakistan’s readiness to facilitate Uzbek trade through its ports and infrastructure and appreciated Uzbekistan’s support for Pakistan’s upcoming SCO Council Chairmanship. He emphasized continued cooperation within ECO and other multilateral forums, reaffirming the commitment to strengthening the strategic partnership between the two nations.
