The Embassy of our country in Islamabad organized a business forum aimed at expanding trade and economic cooperation between Uzbekistan and Pakistan, the correspondent of ‘‘Dunyo’’ news agency reports.
The forum was attended by the President of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry Atif Ikram Sheikh and the head of the Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry Usman Shaukat, as well as leading Pakistani businessmen and influential entrepreneurs in the field of pharmaceuticals, construction materials, leather and wool processing, textile and food industries.
The event was opened by the Ambassador of Uzbekistan Alisher Tukhtayev with opening remarks.
The Ambassador spoke about the importance of strengthening economic ties between the two countries. He emphasized the role of deep historical, cultural and spiritual ties between the peoples of Uzbekistan and Pakistan in strengthening the strategic partnership.
The diplomat paid special attention to the reforms being implemented in Uzbekistan and the country’s openness to international cooperation, and also invited Pakistani entrepreneurs to explore opportunities in new sectors of the national economy.
Strategic partner of Uzbekistan Pakistan is a door to South Asia. ‘‘Uzbekistan considers Pakistan a real partner. However, the current trade turnover of $400 million does not reflect our potential. We can increase this figure fivefold’’, he said.
The head of the diplomatic mission touched upon a number of priority areas of cooperation between the two countries, noting agriculture and agro-industrial complex, textile and leather industries, energy, in particular renewable energy sources, pharmaceuticals, tourism, logistics and transport infrastructure, warehouses, supply chains and regional communication networks as promising areas of interaction.
The Uzbek ambassador said that currently ‘‘Uzbekistan Airways’’ operates flights on the Tashkent-Lahore route twice a week, and flights on the Tashkent-Islamabad route will also begin on June 14. He called on Pakistani airlines to also open flights to Uzbekistan.
In his speech, President of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry Atif Ikram Sheikh emphasized that Pakistan is very interested in further deepening trade relations with Uzbekistan. He noted that trade and investment opportunities between the two countries have not yet been fully utilized and that it is necessary to expand industrial and trade cooperation with Central Asia. He noted that specific steps are needed to strengthen practical contacts between business representatives and significantly increase trade turnover.
In his speech, Chairman of the Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry Usman Shaukat emphasized the need to further develop economic relations between Pakistan and Uzbekistan, drawing attention to the importance of effectively using the huge potential in Central Asia, increasing the volume of bilateral trade, and ensuring close cooperation between entrepreneurs. He noted the need to create clear mechanisms for continuous communication and exchange of experience between entrepreneurs. To this end, he said that he plans to organize a visit of the Chamber’s business delegation led by him to various regions of Uzbekistan in June-July.
The event featured a presentation of Uzbekistan’s trade potential, industrial development, liberalization of the business environment, economic reforms, as well as the great opportunities and benefits created for foreign investors in free economic zones. It provided information on the benefits provided to foreign investors in the ‘‘Nukus’’ free industrial zones in Karakalpakstan, ‘‘Alabuga’’ in Bukhara, and ‘‘Khazorasp’’ in Khorezm, as well as opportunities and promising projects in the fields of pharmaceuticals, leather and wool processing, agriculture and food industry, textiles, and construction materials.
The forum concluded with an interactive question and answer session. Detailed answers were given to participants’ questions regarding market access, customs procedures, investment guarantees, financing opportunities, logistics, legal framework, business regulators, and cooperation in sectors.
The participants assessed the forum as a timely practical initiative, identified specific measures and proposals for expanding exports and imports in strategically important sectors and developing joint projects.
‘‘This forum should not end with speeches – it should open a new path, mutual visits and useful joint projects’’, – the Ambassador of Uzbekistan summed up the event. ‘‘We are ready to help you at every stage of the path, as friends, brothers and partners. Let our event today open a new chapter in the history of our cooperation’’.
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