Uzbekistan and Pakistan aim to increase their trade volume to $2 billion.

During the negotiations, a comprehensive range of issues regarding the further expansion and strengthening of Uzbek-Pakistani strategic partnership relations was discussed.

The heads of state noted with great satisfaction the dynamic development of multifaceted cooperation in recent years. Active political contacts and fruitful inter-parliamentary and inter-agency exchanges continue.

In 2024, trade turnover exceeded 400 million dollars, and the number of joint ventures reached 130. Trade houses have been opened in Karachi and Tashkent. Direct flights between Tashkent and Lahore have been resumed. The meetings of the Intergovernmental Commission, business forums, and the national industrial exhibition of Uzbekistan were held successfully.

During the negotiations, special attention was given to the expansion of trade and economic cooperation. The importance of coordinated measures to increase the trade turnover to 2 billion dollars based on the adopted roadmap was emphasized.

The primary tasks identified include expanding the range of goods under the Preferential Trade Agreement, mutually simplifying phytosanitary and quarantine requirements, customs procedures, harmonizing standards, integrating electronic trading platforms, ensuring access to the procurement system, improving interbank settlement mechanisms, and others.

Plans from leading companies for implementing cooperation projects in pharmaceuticals, electrical engineering, the agricultural sector, agricultural machinery manufacturing, geology and mineral resources, textiles, leather, and other industries were discussed.

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev proposed to hold a Forum of the Regions of both countries in Uzbekistan to stimulate business and cultural contacts between the regions.

The leaders of Uzbekistan and Pakistan specifically addressed issues related to enhancing transport connectivity and unlocking transit potential. It was noted with satisfaction that, in recent years, cargo volumes through the Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan multimodal corridor have increased fivefold. To further boost cargo turnover, an agreement was reached to establish a joint transport and logistics company. The importance of coordinating joint efforts for the practical advancement of the Trans-Afghan railway construction project was also emphasized.

An agreement was reached to hold the next meeting of the Intergovernmental Commission in July of this year in Lahore.

The parties advocated for further expansion of cultural, humanitarian, and tourist exchanges. In this context, it was agreed to hold mutual Culture Weeks and present tourism programs.

There was also an exchange of views on relevant international and regional agendas. The importance of continued mutual support within the framework of the United Nations, the Non-Aligned Movement, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, the SCO, and other multilateral structures was highlighted.

The President of Uzbekistan and the Prime Minister of Pakistan underscored the necessity of uniting efforts in the fight against terrorism, radicalism, Islamophobia, and other contemporary security challenges.

To develop new directions for comprehensive cooperation, the establishment of a Supreme Council for Strategic Partnership and the holding of its first meeting next year were agreed upon.

As a result of the high-level negotiations, a decision was made to develop and approve a joint roadmap for the timely implementation of the agreements reached and signed.