Chairman and CEO of Pakistan Observer, Mr Faisal Zahid Malik called on Ambassador of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Mr Aybek Arif Usmanov at the Uzbekistan embassy and discussed the current geo-political situation of the region as well as the Pakistan-Uzbekistan trade and economic ties. —PO photo by Sh Arif
Zubair Qureshi Islamabad
The bilateral relations between Uzbekistan and Pakistan have been growing steadily and recently elevated to the level of strategic partnership. In the last two years alone, both the countries have increased up to US$ 500 million of bilateral trade via Afghanistan. This landmark is achieved under the Transit and Preferential trade agreements.
These views were expressed by Ambassador of Uzbekistan Aybek Arif Usmanov during a meeting with Chairman and CEO of Pakistan Observer, Mr Faisal Zahid Malik who called on him at the Uzbekistan embassy to discuss current situation in the region and the trade and economic partnership between the two countries. The Uzbekistan ambassador expressed satisfaction at the pace of bilateral economic trade and predicted it would touch $ 1 billion by the end of the year.
Uzbekistan and Pakistan have signed Trade and Industrial cooperation Road Map, he said adding both the countries share similar history, values and traditions. Over the past four years, both the nations have made remarkable progress in revitalizing their trade relations, culminating in the current bilateral trade volume of $126.05 million, he said. He also highlighted Uzbekistan’s revolutionary approach to agricultural and industrial development as a blueprint for progress.
Ambassador Usmanov 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. 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.
About the recent presidential elections in Uzbekistan (July 9, 2023) he said the people of Uzbekistan overwhelmingly exercised their right of vote and reposed trust in the leadership of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev who has overhauled the entire constitution and governance system of Uzbekistan in accordance with the modern needs and demands. President Shavkat has stood victorious in the elections bagging more than 87pc votes.
Mr Faisal Zahid Malik while thanking the ambassador said Uzbekistan is Pakistan’s close partner with deep-rooted friendly ties. He said the recent election of President Shavkat Mirziyoyeva good sign for the stability of economy and long-term policies of Uzbekistan. This overwhelming victory in the Presidential Election reflects people’s trust not only in the leadership of President Miriyoyev but also in the reforms he had introduced prior to the elections, said he.
