Deepening Bilateral Ties: Pakistan and Uzbekistan Agree to Increase Trade
Pakistan and Uzbekistan have agreed to increase their annual trade four-fold to US$2 billion, as the two countries signed several agreements to deepen their bilateral ties. The agreement was reached after a meeting between Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev in Tashkent.
A Trusted Partner and Promising Ally
Mirziyoyev described Pakistan as a trusted partner and promising ally whose international reputation is steadily growing. He commended the country’s efforts to ensure peace and stability, improve the living standards of its population, and accelerate economic growth. "Despite the current global challenges, the honourable prime minister is carrying out tremendous work to ensure peace and stability, improve the living standards of the population and accelerate economic growth," Mirziyoyev said while jointly addressing the media.
Common Heritage and Shared Interests
The two leaders highlighted their common past and centuries-old religious and cultural heritage. They discussed strengthening cooperation in trade, investment, regional connectivity, manufacturing, tourism, and sectors such as pharmaceuticals, agriculture, textiles, and mining. One of the key projects they discussed was the proposed railway link via Afghanistan.
Increased Air Links and Strategic Council
The leaders also agreed to increase air links with new flights planned between Pakistan’s largest city Karachi and the landlocked Uzbekistan’s Samarkand and Bukhara cities. Pakistan and Uzbekistan have set up a high-level strategic council to take their relations forward across various fields.
Conclusion
The agreement to increase trade between Pakistan and Uzbekistan is a significant step towards deepening their bilateral ties. The two countries have identified several areas for cooperation, including trade, investment, and regional connectivity. The establishment of a high-level strategic council is expected to facilitate the implementation of these agreements and promote greater cooperation between the two nations.
FAQs
Q: What is the new trade agreement between Pakistan and Uzbekistan?
A: The two countries have agreed to increase their annual trade from US$400 million to US$2 billion.
Q: What are the areas of cooperation identified by the two leaders?
A: The areas of cooperation include trade, investment, regional connectivity, manufacturing, tourism, and sectors such as pharmaceuticals, agriculture, textiles, and mining.
Q: What is the proposed railway link between Pakistan and Uzbekistan?
A: The proposed railway link is via Afghanistan and is one of the key projects discussed by the two leaders.
Q: How will the high-level strategic council facilitate cooperation between Pakistan and Uzbekistan?
A: The council will facilitate the implementation of agreements and promote greater cooperation between the two nations across various fields.