Karachi (TDI): Uzbekistan’s Ambassador to Pakistan Alisher Tukhtaev, highlighting the progress in bilateral trade with Pakistan, said on Friday that the Uzbek Embassy is aiming to increase trade to $1 billion in the coming years.
Bilateral trade has been growing well, with mutual trade between Uzbekistan and Pakistan increasing from $122 million in 2019 to $387 million in 2023, he said while speaking at a meeting at Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI).
Referring to the recent launching of direct flights between Lahore and Tashkent, the envoy hinted commencement of direct flights from Karachi to Uzbekistan this year and said soft visa regime for Pakistani nationals, for both business and tourist visas, making it easier for people to visit each other’s countries and build stronger relations.
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Highlighting the long history of brotherly ties, strengthened by cultural and religious affinities, he said, “Today, our two nations are closer than ever, thanks to the realization of the vision of regional connectivity.”
He added that tireless efforts of both nations to strengthen economic cooperation and strategic collaborations have reinforced the vision.
He underlined the investment opportunities in Uzbekistan, which offers a safe, favorable, and liberal environment for investment and invited Pakistani businessmen to explore opportunities in areas such as textiles, pharmaceuticals, leather, tannery, food processing and agro-businesses.
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Extending his support for promoting B2B connectivity for exploring trade and investment opportunities, the envoy asked KCCI to send a business delegation to Uzbekistan for materializing investment opportunities in key Uzbek regions.
