ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif underscored need for urgently operationalising Transit Trade Agreement and Preferential Trade Agreements with Uzbekistan to fully unlock immense bilateral economic potential.              

Talking to Ambassador of Uzbekistan Oybek Usmanov who paid a courtesy call on him here he underlined significance of Trans-Afghan Railway Project to advance connectivity agenda and promote regional prosperity. He reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to provide transit access to Central Asian Republics to ports of Karachi, Bin Qasim and Gwadar.               

PM also invited Uzbek investments in Special Economic Zones of Pakistan, particularly in industrial, electronics and agricultural sectors, which would accrue mutual benefits.                  He highlighted Pakistan’s vision for deeper engagement with Central Asia and important role of Uzbekistan in this regard.                                        

Prime Minister expressed satisfaction over existing level of close and fraternal relations between Pakistan and Uzbekistan and emphasised need for further deepening bilateral ties in realms of trade, economy, education, tourism and culture to promote people-to-people contacts.                    He stressed on direct air connectivity to facilitate movement of businessmen, students and tourists between two countries. While highlighting convergent perspectives of Pakistan and Uzbekistan on regional issues, Prime Minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s strong resolve for lasting peace, security and stability of Afghanistan.

Ambassador conveyed warm greetings by President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyeyov to Shehbaz Sharif and said that President is looking forward to welcome him at Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Summit at Samarkand in September.

Published in The Daily National Courier, August, 16 2022

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