Islamabad :
The 33rd Independence Day of the Republic of Uzbekistan was a momentous occasion in Islamabad, marking a significant milestone in the relationship between Pakistan and Uzbekistan. With Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Commerce, Jam Kamal Khan, as the Chief Guest, the event highlighted the deep-rooted ties between the two nations, characterized by shared history, culture, and growing economic cooperation.
Minister Jam Kamal Khan underscored the increasing importance of Uzbekistan as a key trading partner for Pakistan in Central Asia. He reflected on the substantial growth in bilateral trade over the past three years, attributing it to the strong bond between the two countries. The success of the “Made in Pakistan” exhibition in Tashkent earlier in 2024, which drew significant interest from Uzbek businessmen, was cited as a testament to the thriving trade relationship.
Furthermore, Minister Jam Kamal Khan emphasized the need for both nations’ business communities to capitalize on the opportunities presented by such events and forums. He highlighted Uzbekistan’s strategic role in the region, being the first Central Asian country to sign a Transit Trade Agreement and Preferential Trade Agreement with Pakistan. The increasing use of Pakistani ports by Uzbek traders for global imports was also noted as a positive development.
The Uzbek Ambassador to Pakistan, H.E. Oybek Usmanov, echoed these sentiments, praising Pakistan’s support in strengthening connectivity, particularly in defense, trade, and regional infrastructure. He highlighted the significant progress in bilateral trade, which had reached half a billion dollars, with plans to double this figure soon. Ambassador Usmanov also emphasized the importance of the Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan railway project in enhancing regional connectivity.
The celebration of Uzbekistan’s Independence Day not only commemorated the historical and cultural ties between the two nations but also set the stage for a brighter future. Both Minister Jam Kamal Khan and Ambassador Usmanov expressed optimism for continued growth in Pakistan-Uzbekistan relations, particularly in the economic sphere, with a focus on strengthening public and private sector engagement to achieve sustained and meaningful progress.
