Pakistan-Uzbekistan Economic Ties Set to Strengthen Ahead of Uzbek Deputy PM’s Visit
Pakistan and Uzbekistan are preparing to deepen their economic partnership as Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Cheema chaired a high-level meeting to review preparations for the upcoming visit of Uzbekistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Jamshid Khodjayev, scheduled for July 20-21, 2026.
The meeting focused on finalizing inter-ministerial coordination and ensuring all arrangements are in place for the visit, which is expected to significantly strengthen Pakistan-Uzbekistan economic ties, boost bilateral trade, attract new investment, and enhance regional connectivity between the two countries.
High-Level Meeting Reviews Visit Preparations
The review meeting was attended by Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Industries and Production Haroon Akhtar Khan, Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch, Commerce Secretary Jawad Paul, senior officials from the Ministry of Railways, the National Logistics Corporation (NLC), the Ministry of Communications, and representatives from other relevant ministries.
Officials briefed the minister on progress made regarding the planned engagements, agenda items, and agreements expected to be finalized during the Uzbek delegation’s visit.
Ahad Cheema emphasized the importance of seamless coordination among all government departments to ensure the success of the high-profile visit.
Regional Connectivity and Trade Corridors Take Centre Stage
A major focus of the meeting was strengthening transport and logistics links between Pakistan and Uzbekistan to facilitate regional trade.
Officials from Pakistan Railways, the National Logistics Corporation (NLC), and the Ministry of Communications presented proposals aimed at improving road and rail connectivity, expanding transport corridors, and modernizing logistics infrastructure.
The discussions highlighted the importance of creating faster, more efficient, and cost-effective trade routes that can support increased commercial activity between Pakistan, Uzbekistan, and the wider Central Asian region.
The proposed improvements are expected to play a key role in promoting regional economic integration and expanding cross-border trade opportunities.
More Than 100 Uzbek Companies to Attend B2B Forum
The meeting was informed that a Business-to-Business (B2B) Forum will be organized during the visit, bringing together leading businesses from both countries.
More than 100 Uzbek companies are expected to participate, reflecting growing interest among Uzbek investors and businesses in Pakistan’s expanding market.
The forum will provide opportunities for companies to explore new investment projects, establish joint ventures, and strengthen commercial partnerships across multiple sectors.
Officials believe the event will further enhance private-sector collaboration and encourage long-term business relationships between Pakistani and Uzbek companies.
Agriculture, Industry and Logistics to Drive Cooperation
According to the briefing, discussions during the visit will focus on several priority sectors, including agriculture, pharmaceuticals, industry, transport, logistics, and infrastructure development.
Both governments aim to strengthen public-private partnerships while encouraging greater investment and technology exchange in these sectors.
The planned engagements are expected to create new opportunities for businesses while supporting sustainable economic growth in both countries.
Five-Year Roadmap and MoUs Expected to Be Signed
Expressing satisfaction with the preparations, Ahad Cheema said the visit would mark another important milestone in the growing partnership between Pakistan and Uzbekistan.
He expressed confidence that the two sides would sign a Five-Year Roadmap for Trade and Economic Cooperation, providing a comprehensive framework to expand bilateral trade, investment, connectivity, and broader economic collaboration over the coming years.
The meeting was also informed that consensus has been reached on several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) and bilateral agreements covering multiple sectors.
These agreements are expected to open new avenues for cooperation and strengthen institutional collaboration between the two countries.
Pakistan Aims to Expand Regional Economic Integration
Concluding the meeting, Ahad Cheema directed all concerned ministries and departments to complete the remaining preparations and maintain close coordination ahead of the visit.
He said the upcoming visit represents a valuable opportunity to deepen Pakistan-Uzbekistan economic ties, enhance regional connectivity, promote investment, and unlock the significant trade potential between the two countries.
With high-level political engagement, business participation, and multiple agreements expected to be finalized, the visit is likely to further strengthen Pakistan’s economic engagement with Central Asia and support the government’s broader strategy of expanding regional trade and investment partnerships.