Pak-Uzbek trade to be taken to $2bn in four years

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev Wednesday agreed to enhance the regional connectivity and strengthen bilateral cooperation, particularly in trade, tourism, energy and cultural relations.

Both the leaders met in Tashkent and expressed satisfaction over the progress in bilateral cooperation achieved during the last 33 years of diplomatic relations, reports APP.

The two leaders agreed to increase the bilateral trade volume from $400 million to $2 billion within the next four years, to ensure effective implementation of the Transit Trade Agreement (2021) and Preferential Trade Agreement (2023), promote investment in the special economic zones and foster collaboration between the business communities of Pakistan and Uzbekistan.

They also acknowledged the strategic importance of Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan railway project for promoting regional trade and connectivity and reaffirmed their commitment to its implementation.

Enhancing bilateral tourism, particularly focusing on cooperation between Termez, Bukhara and Lahore and Karachi, also came under discussion.

Following the meeting between the two leaders, high-level talks were held between the delegations of both countries.

The delegations had a detailed discussion on the potential for strengthening cooperation in trade, tourism, energy, education, culture, regional connectivity and defence.

Addressing a joint press conference, the two leaders told the media that both sides had agreed to realise the “dream” project of Trans-Afghan Railway to connect Central Asia with South Asia.

Shehbaz said the project would be a game changer for the region.

Shehbaz told the media that both sides were willing to expand tourism through an increased number of flights and adding new destinations. Coming to the regional situation, he said both sides emphasized that a peaceful and stable Afghanistan was vital for regional connectivity and peace. However, he said the Afghan soil must not be allowed to be used by militant groups to attack any other country, including Pakistan.

Shehbaz invited President Mirziyoyev to visit Pakistan, which he accepted. In his remarks, President Mirziyoyev said they had “truly productive” discussions on cooperation in different directions.

He said both sides reached a conclusion on the establishment of a High-Level Strategic Council and the relevant ministries and departments from both sides would give bi-monthly reports on the measures taken to promote cooperation. He said both sides had a similar approach on Afghanistan’s social development and the Palestinian issue besides agreeing to continue supporting each other at multilateral organizations.

He said while discussing the Trans-Afghan Railway project, it was agreed that a committee would be formed to look into the allied challenges and issues. “This is our future. Trade will increase, and the flow of people will rise,” he said.

Citing rich cultural heritage, he called for joint film production to exploit the potential and promoting cultural tourism and people-to-people contacts. He said both sides were ready to fill the gaps and convert commitments into actions.

The two countries Wednesday signed multiple accords to strengthen bilateral cooperation in defence, technology, technical training and youth empowerment.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Mirziyoyev witnessed the ceremony, as officials from both sides exchanged the pre-signed documents of agreements and MoUs for cooperation in different fields.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar and Uzbek Foreign Minister Bakhtiyor Saidov exchanged the documents of agreements in the fields of visa-free travel for diplomatic passport holders, military intelligence, internal affairs, professional and technical training and training of diplomats. Another inter-government agreement pertained to collaboration in the fields of scientific research, technology, and innovation.

Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar and Director General National Information Agency of Uzbekistan Kuchimov Abdusaid exchanged a document of news cooperation agreement between the Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) and National Information Agency of Uzbekistan (UZA).

Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar and Director Youth Affairs Agency of Uzbekistan Sadullayev Alisher exchanged documents of a MoU between Pakistan Prime Minister’s Youth Programme and the Government of Uzbekistan on youth affairs.

Later, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Mirziyoyev signed a joint declaration on the outcomes of the former’s visit and also the protocols on the establishment of High Level Strategic Cooperation Council.