Islamabad (TDI): Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) Haroon Akhtar Khan chaired a high-level meeting on Wednesday with Uzbekistan’s Ambassador Alisher Taktayev, Pakistan’s Commercial Attaché in Tashkent Zaheer Abbas, and a delegation from the Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI).
The RCCI delegation briefed SAPM Haroon Akhtar Khan on its recent 150-member business mission to Uzbekistan. The visiting team comprised representatives from the health, pharmaceutical, tourism, and construction sectors.
RCCI President stated that the key objective of the visit was to enhance bilateral trade and investment between Pakistan and Uzbekistan. He shared that the delegation visited the Uzbek Pharma Park, Excellence Center, ICT Center, Technical University, and Business Center, expressing satisfaction over the facilities provided there.
The RCCI delegation noted that the Uzbek Pharma Park offers exemptions on land, property, and water taxes, in addition to zero customs duty on construction materials. “Pakistan should also establish similar pharma parks,” the RCCI President emphasized.
RCCI also highlighted the need to expand preferential trade agreements between Pakistan and Uzbekistan, terming it essential for deepened economic engagement. Multiple opportunities exist for cooperation in sectors including tourism and defense, the RCCI observed. The Chamber appreciated SAPM Haroon Akhtar Khan’s interest and support for the delegation’s Uzbekistan visit.
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SAPM Haroon Akhtar Khan stated that Pakistan–Uzbekistan relations are growing rapidly across multiple sectors. He said that under Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s vision, Pakistan is strengthening ties with Central Asian states.
He added that the new National Industrial Policy and regulatory reforms aim to restore investor confidence. “Tourism holds tremendous potential, and Pakistan intends to deepen collaboration with Uzbekistan in this sector,” he said.
Read More: Uzbekistan Keen to Boost Tourism Ties With Pakistan: Envoy
Haroon Akhtar Khan also appreciated the RCCI for effectively leading delegations from various sectors. He instructed all stakeholders to ensure prompt follow-up on MoUs and agreements reached during the visit. “These agreements and joint initiatives must be operationalized to further strengthen bilateral cooperation,” he emphasized.
Uzbek Ambassador Alisher Taktayev appreciated the delegation’s visit and the growing interest in expanding economic ties.
Sohail Majeed
Sohail Majeed is a Special Correspondent at The Diplomatic Insight. He has twelve plus years of experience in journalism & reporting. He covers International Affairs, Diplomacy, UN, Sports, Climate Change, Economy, Technology, and Health.
