PM Shehbaz, Uzbek President Mirziyoyev discuss $2bn trade target, regional connectivity

BISHKEK: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev on Monday discussed ways to deepen bilateral trade and investment and accelerate regional connectivity, including progress on the Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan railway project.

The two leaders met on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council of Heads of State meeting in Bishkek, according to the Prime Minister’s Office.

Sharif congratulated Mirziyoyev and the people of Uzbekistan on the 35th anniversary of the country’s independence and recalled the Uzbek president’s state visit to Pakistan in February, saying the visit and the inaugural meeting of the High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council had given fresh momentum to the two countries’ strategic partnership.

The prime minister stressed the need for timely implementation of decisions taken at the leadership level, particularly in trade, investment, connectivity and economic cooperation.

He reiterated the shared goal of increasing bilateral trade to $2 billion by 2029, calling for effective implementation of the expanded Preferential Trade Agreement, greater business-to-business engagement and more joint ventures.

Regional connectivity also featured prominently in the discussions, with Sharif describing the proposed Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan railway as having the potential to transform links between Central and South Asia and provide Uzbekistan access to Pakistan’s seaports.

He called for early progress on the joint feasibility study and greater use of existing multimodal transport corridors.

Pakistan, he said, was ready to facilitate Uzbek trade through its ports and transport infrastructure.

The two sides also discussed expanding cooperation in industry, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, textiles, mining, digital technology, education, culture, defence and security.

Sharif backed enhanced air connectivity between the two countries, including progress towards launching direct flights between Tashkent and Karachi.

The prime minister also appreciated Uzbekistan’s support for Pakistan’s forthcoming chairmanship of the SCO Council of Heads of State and expressed Islamabad’s desire to work closely with Tashkent on regional security, connectivity, trade and sustainable development.

He also stressed continued cooperation through the Economic Cooperation Organisation (ECO) and other multilateral forums.

Sharif reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to further strengthening its strategic partnership with Uzbekistan and translating strong political ties into tangible economic benefits for the people of both countries.

Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan, Communications Minister Abdul Aleem Khan and Information Minister Attaullah Tarar also attended the meeting.