Pakistan, Uzbekistan target $2bn trade, expand connectivity

February 3, 2026 (MLN): Pakistan and Uzbekistan agreed to accelerate efforts to raise bilateral trade to $2 billion and strengthen cooperation across trade, investment, transport, labor, and key productive sectors during the 10th session of the Pakistan–Uzbekistan Intergovernmental Commission (IGC).

The session was held in Islamabad on February 2, 2026, and was co-chaired by Pakistan’s Special Assistant to the Prime Minister for Industries and Production, Haroon Akhtar Khan, and Uzbekistan’s Minister of Investment, Industry and Trade, Laziz Kudratov.

The meeting reviewed progress made since the 2025 session and outlined a forward roadmap aimed at deepening economic engagement between the two countries.

Both sides reviewed implementation of the Preferential Trade Agreement and progress under Phase II concessions, while agreeing to speed up institutional mechanisms aimed at meeting the $2bn bilateral trade target, according to the press release. 

Discussions focused on trade facilitation measures, logistics improvement, customs digitalization, transit trade cooperation, development of regional trade corridors, and stronger business-to-business linkages, alongside improved visa facilitation for business communities.

The commission agreed to establish a joint working group on labor relations to address labor mobility, skills development, workplace safety, and employment visa-related issues.

In transport and communications, the two sides reviewed regional connectivity initiatives, including railway projects, alternative transport corridors, and prospects for direct air services to improve trade and transit links.

Agriculture and food security featured as key areas of cooperation, with progress noted on phytosanitary protocols enabling fruit exports from Uzbekistan to Pakistan.

Both sides agreed to expand technical cooperation through additional protocols and working groups covering plant protection, livestock development, and agricultural research.

In higher education, science, and technology, the session reviewed ongoing academic and research collaboration between the two countries.

Both sides agreed to promote joint research initiatives, faculty and student exchanges, vocational and technical training, and innovation under newly signed agreements in scientific and technical fields.

Climate and environmental cooperation was identified as a shared priority, including collaboration on climate resilience, glacial ecosystem protection, water management, environmental governance, gender-inclusive climate action, and community-based adaptation.

The two sides also discussed cooperation in pharmaceuticals, focused on regulatory coordination, joint ventures, manufacturer exchanges, and capacity building for quality and safety standards.

Further areas covered during the session included energy and minerals, information technology, telecommunications, small and medium enterprises, industry, banking, and finance.

Both sides agreed to strengthen sectoral working groups, support digitalization initiatives, enhance SME competitiveness, expand industrial partnerships, and deepen cooperation in the financial sector.

Both co-chairs emphasized translating bilateral political ties into measurable economic outcomes, while Pakistan noted satisfaction with the decisions reached during the session.

The two sides agreed that the 11th session of the Intergovernmental Commission will be held in Tashkent on dates to be finalized through diplomatic channels.

The Uzbek Minister highlighted preparations for an upcoming high-level visit from Uzbekistan, describing it as a milestone in strengthening bilateral partnership.

Bilateral trade between the two countries grew by around 10% last year, with Uzbekistan’s imports from Pakistan rising 12% and Uzbek exports to Pakistan increasing 8%.

Discussions focused on broadening cooperation beyond goods trade, exploring opportunities in services and investment-led arrangements.

Air connectivity has been enhanced, with flights from Islamabad and Lahore now operating multiple times weekly, and additional services from Karachi planned to reach six weekly flights.

Regional logistics challenges were also addressed, including border and transit constraints impacting traditional routes. Pakistani logistics operators are increasingly using northern routes, despite higher costs and longer delivery times.

A multi-country “green corridor” proposal involving Pakistan, China, and Central Asian partners was discussed to enable smoother cargo movement, leveraging warehousing facilities in Kashgar.

Cooperation in mining was highlighted, with Pakistan seeking modern exploration capacity, technical surveying, drilling services, and technology-driven mining development.

Uzbekistan offered knowledge transfer, joint projects, and engagement with Pakistani geological institutions.

In agriculture and value-added exports, discussions focused on livestock and red-meat value chains, rice varieties and cultivation models, and processed foods such as dehydrated fruits, juices, and concentrates.

Emphasis was placed on compliance, standards, and investment-backed models to help Pakistan scale exportable surpluses and access larger regional markets.

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