Pakistan Uzbekistan trade have renewed their push to significantly expand economic ties, agreeing to accelerate efforts to raise bilateral trade to $2 billion. The renewed commitment reflects growing confidence on both sides that political goodwill can now be translated into tangible economic results.
The agreement was reaffirmed during the 10th session of the Pakistan-Uzbekistan Intergovernmental Commission on Trade, Economic and Scientific Technical Cooperation, held in Islamabad. The meeting was co-chaired by Haroon Akhtar Khan, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister for Industries and Production, and Uzbekistan’s Minister of Investment, Industry and Trade, Laziz Kudratov.
Pakistan Uzbekistan Trade at the Center of Economic Cooperation
Officials from both countries reviewed progress made since the last commission meeting in 2025 and agreed that Pakistan Uzbekistan trade has strong untapped potential. While trade volumes have grown in recent years, both sides acknowledged that current figures remain well below capacity given the size of their economies and regional connectivity ambitions.
The session produced a forward-looking roadmap covering trade expansion, investment facilitation, transport infrastructure, agriculture, energy collaboration and technology exchange, all aimed at strengthening Pakistan Uzbekistan trade over the medium term.
Preferential Trade Agreement Seen as Key Driver
A major focus of the talks was the Preferential Trade Agreement, with both sides welcoming progress under Phase II concessions. Officials agreed that faster implementation of tariff reductions and streamlined procedures could provide an immediate boost to Pakistan Uzbekistan trade, particularly in textiles, pharmaceuticals, agricultural goods and industrial products.
The commission also agreed to speed up institutional mechanisms supporting trade facilitation, including improved logistics, customs digitalization and more efficient transit trade arrangements.
Connectivity and Transport Corridors Take Priority
Recognizing that trade growth depends heavily on connectivity, both countries emphasized the need to develop alternative transport corridors. Discussions included the launch of direct air services, progress on regional railway links and closer coordination on transit and logistics networks.
Improved connectivity is expected to lower costs, reduce transit time and make Pakistan Uzbekistan trade more competitive across regional and global markets.
Related: Uzbekistan Airways Expands Direct Flights to Pakistan
Labour Cooperation and Skills Mobility
In a significant development, Pakistan and Uzbekistan agreed to establish a Joint Working Group on labour relations. The group will focus on labour mobility, skills development, workplace safety and visa-related employment issues.
Officials said enhanced cooperation in this area would support industrial growth and create new opportunities for skilled workers, further strengthening Pakistan Uzbekistan trade and investment ties.
Agriculture, Food Security and Climate Cooperation
Agriculture and food security featured prominently in the discussions. Both sides welcomed progress on phytosanitary protocols that have already enabled Uzbek fruit exports to Pakistan. It was agreed to expand cooperation through additional protocols, technical collaboration and joint working groups in plant protection, livestock development and agricultural research.
Environmental and climate cooperation was also identified as a shared priority. The two countries agreed to work together on climate resilience, protection of glacial ecosystems, sustainable water management and community-based adaptation initiatives—areas increasingly linked to long-term economic stability and Pakistan Uzbekistan trade sustainability.
Expanding Ties in Technology, Energy and Industry
The commission reviewed cooperation in higher education, science and technology, agreeing to promote joint research, student and faculty exchanges, vocational training and innovation. These initiatives are expected to support technology transfer and industrial modernization.
Additional progress was noted in energy, minerals, information technology, telecommunications, small and medium enterprises, banking and finance. Officials emphasized digitalization, innovation and private-sector participation as key pillars for deepening Pakistan Uzbekistan trade in the coming years.
Turning Political Will Into Economic Results
In their closing remarks, Haroon Akhtar Khan and Laziz Kudratov stressed that strong political relations between Pakistan and Uzbekistan must now deliver measurable economic outcomes. Both expressed confidence that decisions taken during the session would strengthen institutional linkages and accelerate progress toward the $2 billion trade target.
The two sides agreed to hold the 11th session of the Intergovernmental Commission in Tashkent, with dates to be finalized through diplomatic channels.
