Uzbekistan and Pakistan agree on roadmap to deepen strategic partnership, boost trade to $2bn

The discussions were held in both a narrow format and during the first meeting of the High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council.

The talks focused on practical steps to further expand and strengthen Uzbek–Pakistani relations, particularly in the context of implementing agreements reached at the highest level. The leaders expressed satisfaction with the progress achieved in recent years, noting the steady intensification of political dialogue, as well as the growing scope of inter-parliamentary and inter-agency exchanges.

Economic cooperation featured prominently in the agenda. Bilateral trade reached nearly $500 million by the end of last year, and around 230 enterprises with Pakistani capital are currently operating in Uzbekistan. The sides also noted the increase in the number of direct flights and the strengthening of correspondent relations between banks in the two countries. Joint projects are being implemented across a range of sectors, including textiles, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and agriculture.

The parties welcomed the results of recent political consultations and a meeting of the Intergovernmental Commission held ahead of the visit. An exhibition of Uzbek industrial products was also organized in Islamabad as part of the official program.

To enhance coordination, the parties agreed to convene the first meeting of the foreign ministries’ Coordination Committee in Tashkent in the near future. They also decided to establish an Uzbek–Pakistani Business Council to support long-term partnerships between the two countries’ business communities.

A key objective set during the talks was to raise bilateral trade to $2 billion in the coming years. To achieve this goal, the sides agreed to significantly expand the list of goods covered by the existing Preferential Trade Agreement, broaden phytosanitary permits for Uzbek agricultural products, and make more active use of Uzbekistan’s trade houses in Lahore and Karachi.

In preparation for the visit, a portfolio of joint projects valued at nearly $3.5 billion was formed, covering agriculture, electrical engineering, geology, pharmaceuticals, and the light and food industries, among other sectors.

Transport and logistics connectivity was identified as a strategic priority. The leaders emphasized the importance of accelerating the Trans-Afghan railway project and advancing the Pakistan–China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan transport corridor to improve regional connectivity.

Interregional cooperation was highlighted as a key driver of economic growth. The sides agreed to establish an Uzbek–Pakistani Forum of Regions, proposing that its first meeting be held later this year in Uzbekistan’s Khorezm region.

The discussions also addressed cooperation in pilgrimage tourism, as well as cultural exchanges aimed at strengthening people-to-people ties. The two countries agreed to hold Uzbekistan Culture Weeks and Uzbek Cinema Days in Pakistan this year. President Mirziyoyev additionally proposed establishing a joint cultural center in Lahore to promote the shared Baburid heritage.

The leaders exchanged views on regional and international issues and reaffirmed their commitment to continued close cooperation within multilateral frameworks.

Concluding the talks, President Mirziyoyev invited Prime Minister Sharif to pay a return visit to Uzbekistan.