Prime Minister Imran Khan addresses first-ever Pakistan-Uzbekistan business forum in Tashkent. Khan has been invited on a two-day trip to Uzbekistan by their President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. He will lead a high-level delegation including Pakistan’s biggest businessmen.
The aim of this trip is to increase bilateral relations with specific focus on trade, economic cooperation and development.
Speaking on the occasion, Imran Khan began with thanking the gracious welcome he received on his arrival earlier today. He also spoke of the mutual historical, spiritual and cultural heritage that Pakistan and Uzbekistan share.
Read more: PM Imran Khan to visit Uzbekistan to bolster bilateral ties
While talking about the economic growth and interests, Imran Khan expressed how so many businessmen back home are disappointed that they couldn’t join the delegation for this forum, as such is the interest and enthusiasm they have for Uzbekistan.
Prime Minister further elaborated on the mutual advantages that both countries will benefit from. He reassured the people of Uzbekistan that this connection is just the beginning of many more business interactions between the two countries.
Mutual Interests
With their economic development, Pakistan will provide Uzbekistan exposure to its 216 million population as well as access to the rest of the world through the seaports. Pakistan, on the other hand, will be able to grow into the Central Asian market as Uzbekistan is one of the largest central Asian state.
Prime Minister Imran Khan has arrived in Tashkent 🇺🇿, upon arrival, he was received by Prime Minister of Uzbekistan.
This visit carries special significance particularly in respect of bilateral & regional trade, connectivity & defence cooperation.#PMIKinUzbekistan pic.twitter.com/0DsybCTmCt
— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) July 15, 2021
The railroad project between Pakistan, Afghanistan and Uzbekistan will play a vital role in this development. The proposed railway project of 573km will link Uzbekistan’s capital Tashkent through Afghanistan’s capital Kabul to Pakistan’s northern city of Peshawar. Hence peace and political stability of Afghanistan is important for both countries equally. Air connectivity will also improve as Pakistan ensures flights to and from Uzbekistan.
Imran Khan also said a great reason of coming here was to visit Bukhara and Samarkand as I am a student of history.
Other engagements
A number of agreements/MoUs are expected to be signed between the delegations aimed at deepening bilateral cooperation, the Foreign Office informed.
PM will also participate in a conference ‘Central and South Asia Regional Connectivity: Challenges and Opportunities’ on the invitation of the Uzbekistan President. Ministers from other countries as well as representatives of international organizations and international financial institutions including think tanks and scholars are expected to be a part of the conference.
Read more: Pakistani ports cheapest route for Central Asian exports to Gulf: Uzbekistan
The two countries had also held the 6th session of the Joint Inter-Governmental Commission (JIGC) and the inaugural session of the Joint Business Council (JBC) on July 14 in Tashkent.
This has been the third time that Prime Minister Imran Khan will be meeting the Uzbek president. The two leaders had previously met twice on the BRI Forum in Beijing and the SCO Summit in Bishkek. They also held a virtual bilateral summit earlier in April.