ZUBAIR QURESHI
Ambassador of Uzbekistan Mr Aybek Arif Usmanov has termed the trans-regional railway project linking Pakistan, Uzbekistan and Afghanistan a game changer for the entire region as it would usher in a new era of development of the entire region.
He was addressing a reception to celebrate the 32nd Independence Day of Uzbekistan. Caretaker Minister for Trade & Industry Dr Gohar Ejaz was the Chief Guest on the occasion while a large number of diplomats, senior civil and military officers, and Uzbek nationals attended the reception and greeted the ambassador on the historic occasion.
A cake was cut on the occasion while national anthems of the two countries were also played at the national day reception.
Ambassador Usmanov said in August this year, the trilateral meeting of the project office was held in Islamabad hosted by the Ministry of Railways and the three countries signed the protocol upon the feasibility studies, financing and construction of this game-changer project.
While congratulating the ambassador and his team on the national day of their country, Dr Gohar Ejaz said Uzbekistan achieved milestone in agriculture and industrial development in a short period of time and the developing countries should learn how important are the virtues of commitment, dedication and vision for the leadership of a country to take their country to glory and success.
Dr Gohar Ejaz reiterated the commitment to enhance bilateral trade between Pakistan and Uzbekistan, with a specific target of reaching $1 billion this year. Over the past four years, both nations have made remarkable progress in revitalizing their trade relations, culminating in the current bilateral trade volume of $126.05 million, he said. He highlighted Uzbekistan’s revolutionary approach to agricultural development as a blueprint for progress.
Earlier, while welcoming the guests, Uzbekistan’s ambassador said leaders of both the countries underscored the importance of further strengthening bilateral relations and accelerating regional connectivity in the fields of pharmaceutical production, energy, agriculture, IT, textiles and logistics.”
“It is an honor and exceptional privilege for me to be posted for the third time in Pakistan and to play a role in re-connectivity between our two regions and nations,” he added.
He expressed gratitude to President Arif Alvi, Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar, the Pakistan army, navy and air force for great achievements regarding connectivity.
Our bilateral relation has now been elevated to the strategic partnership, he said adding that only in the last two years, “We together have increased nearly $ 500 million of bilateral trade via Afghanistan based on Transit and Preferential trade agreements.” Soon we shall reach the goal of the recently signed $ 1 billion Trade and Industrial cooperation Road Map,” he added.
“Uzbekistan is grateful to Pakistani politicians, military leaders, experts and journalists who visited my country as observers during the Referendum (April 30, 2023) and then on early Presidential Elections (July 9, 2023),” he added.
