Uzbekistan calls for expanding trade

Governor of Tashkent Region Mirzaev Zoir Toirovich on Wednesday stressed the need to significantly expand economic cooperation between Uzbekistan and Pakistan, stating that the current bilateral trade volume of $445.8 million does not reflect the true potential of the two friendly countries and calling for stronger partnerships in agriculture, textiles, pharmaceuticals, tourism, logistics and industrial investment.

According to a statement, he said Uzbekistan’s economy has maintained steady growth of around 6% annually, foreign investment continues to rise, and special economic zones across the country are offering attractive incentives and secure opportunities for international investors, including Pakistani businesses seeking expansion into Central Asia.

Toirovich was addressing a business forum at the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) during the visit of a 20-member high-level official delegation from Uzbekistan led by him. Uzbekistan’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Alisher Tukhtaev Khakimovich, accompanied the delegation.

LCCI President Faheemur Rehman Saigol welcomed the delegation and termed the visit an important step toward strengthening institutional and business linkages between Pakistan and Uzbekistan.

The LCCI president said that Uzbekistan has emerged as one of Central Asia’s most promising economies with imports exceeding $35 billion, presenting vast opportunities for Pakistani exporters and investors. He noted that the sectors represented by the Uzbek delegation — including livestock, dairy production, rice cultivation, textiles, leather, wool processing, construction materials, sports goods and medical equipment — closely match Pakistan’s industrial and agricultural strengths, creating natural grounds for collaboration.

He highlighted Pakistan’s export potential, stating that rice exports during 2024-25 reached approximately $3.3 billion while textiles, the backbone of Pakistan’s economy, recorded exports of around $18 billion.