Pakistan, Uzbekistan Target $2 Billion In | Quik

Pakistan and Uzbekistan are targeting $2 billion in annual bilateral trade over the next five years as the two countries seek to deepen economic ties, expand investment and improve regional connectivity, Uzbekistan’s Ambassador to Pakistan Alisher Tukhtaev said Tuesday.

Tukhtaev said the $2 billion target had been set by the leadership of both countries and reflected their growing economic partnership. He made the remarks at a reception in Islamabad marking the 35th anniversary of Uzbekistan’s independence, attended by Energy Minister Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari, senior officials and diplomats.

The ambassador said the establishment of the High Level Council of Strategic Partnership and the signing of 30 bilateral agreements during Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s state visit had strengthened the institutional framework for cooperation.

He said Pakistan and Uzbekistan were working to expand business contacts, investment projects, trade houses and banking links to create more opportunities for companies and investors in both countries.

Connectivity is also becoming a key part of the relationship. Regular passenger flights now connect Tashkent with Islamabad and Lahore, while cargo services have also been introduced. Additional routes, including Karachi, are expected to increase flight frequency between the two countries to nine flights per week by October 2026.

Tukhtaev also highlighted the Uzbekistan Afghanistan Pakistan railway project as a potentially transformative regional connectivity initiative. The project could strengthen trade links between Central Asia and Pakistan and support the broader economic partnership between the two countries.

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