ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Uzbekistan pledged to deepen economic cooperation and regional connectivity during the 8th Review Session of Pakistan-Uzbekistan Cooperation on Monday, focusing on trade expansion, sector collaboration, and long-term strategic partnership.

According to a Ministry of Information & Broadcasting press release, the meeting was chaired by Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Industries and Production, Haroon Akhtar Khan, and attended by Uzbek Ambassador Alisher Takhtayev, senior officials, and business leaders.

Both sides agreed to strengthen collaboration in textiles, pharmaceuticals, surgical instruments, mining, and information technology, with Pakistan targeting $2 billion in bilateral trade.

Khan announced the formation of a joint committee comprising DRAP, the Pakistan Pharmaceutical Association, and Uzbek regulators to expedite certification of Pakistani medicines. Uzbekistan also highlighted its Pharma Park model, which could be replicated in Pakistan.

In a major development, it was agreed to enhance aviation connectivity with direct flights from Karachi to Uzbekistan, aimed at boosting trade, tourism, and regional travel. Khan said, “The Prime Minister has issued clear instructions to commence direct flights at the earliest.”

Both countries emphasized the need to strengthen financial cooperation, with the National Bank of Pakistan set to open a branch in Uzbekistan to facilitate smoother cross-border trade, while addressing banking barriers affecting transactions.

Provincial governments will be involved in all joint projects; collaboration in the minerals sector was reviewed, with working groups instructed to submit progress reports at the next session.

“The leadership of both countries reaffirmed their shared commitment to advancing economic cooperation, regional connectivity, and long-term strategic partnership,” the statement concluded.

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Pakistan, Uzbekistan to enhance economic and trade cooperation