Islamabad, 27 December 2022 (TDI): The Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue of Pakistan, Ishaq Dar held an official meeting with the Uzbek Deputy Prime Minister & Minister of Investment & Foreign Trade, Khodjaev Jamshid Abdukhakimovich.

Ishaq Dar welcomed Khodjaev and emphasized Uzbekistan and Pakistan’s cordial and brotherly relations based on shared faith, and cultural affinity.

Remarks by representatives

The two sides reviewed several areas of cooperation to enhance trade and economic engagement. In this vein, they underscored the improvement of road infrastructure from Tashkent to Pakistan, the Pakistan-Afghanistan-Uzbekistan Rail Link.

Also read: Pakistan, Uzbekistan sign 9 MoUs to enhance bilateral cooperation

The officials expressed optimism that the upcoming meeting of the Joint Intergovernmental Commission (IGC) in Pakistan in February 2023 will strengthen bilateral economic cooperation & investment for the mutual benefit of the two nations.

Ishaq Dar highlighted that constructive dialogue at the highest levels of government has given bilateral ties between both countries a boost that must be maintained and strengthened.

He emphasized the potential for commercial and investment cooperation. In this vein, Dar said, “Our government is willing to further diversify bilateral trade and economic ties with Uzbekistan.”

During his turn, Khodjaev Jamshid acknowledged constructive relations with Pakistan. He discussed expanding trade links with Pakistan and establishing a road and train link between the two nations via Afghanistan.

The Deputy Prime Minister concluded by requesting technical assistance from the Pakistani government in order to gain World Trade Organization (WTO) membership.

Uzbek delegation

Notably, the meeting was attended by Kudratov Laziz Shavkatovich, 1st Deputy Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade, and Mahkamov Ilkhom Rustamovich, Minister of Transport.

Also read: Uzbekistan, Pakistan to strengthen bilateral cooperation in multiple domains

Additionally, Siddikov Furqat Ahmedovich, 1st Deputy Minister- Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Yuldashev Kahramon Anvarjanovich, Deputy Minister- Ministry of Agriculture were also present.

Oybek Arif Usmanov, Ambassador of Uzbekistan to Pakistan was also part of the delegation.

Pakistan delegation

Federal Minister for National Food Security Tariq Bashir Cheema and Minister of State for Finance Aisha Ghous Pasha were present.

Special Assistant to Prime Minister (SAPM) on Finance Tariq Bajwa, SAPM on Revenue Tariq Mehmood Pasha & Federal secretaries, and senior officers attended the meeting.