ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Uzbekistan are expected to sign a five-year roadmap for economic cooperation during the visit of Uzbekistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Jamshid Khodjayev on July 20-21, aimed at strengthening bilateral trade, investment and regional connectivity.
According to a statement issued by the Economic Affairs Division on Wednesday, Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Cheema chaired a high-level meeting to review preparations for the visit and assess inter-ministerial coordination.
The meeting was attended by Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Industries and Production Haroon Akhtar Khan, Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch, Commerce Secretary Jawad Paul, senior railway officials, the Director General of the National Logistics Corporation (NLC), officials from the Ministry of Communications and representatives of other relevant ministries.
A key focus of the discussions was enhancing regional connectivity and trade facilitation. Officials presented proposals to improve road and rail links, develop transport corridors and strengthen logistics infrastructure to support faster and more cost-effective movement of goods between the two countries.
The minister was informed that a business forum will be held during the visit, bringing together private-sector representatives from both countries. More than 100 Uzbek companies are expected to participate, reflecting growing interest in trade, investment and joint venture opportunities in Pakistan.
Agriculture, pharmaceuticals, industry, transport and logistics will be among the priority sectors discussed, with both governments seeking to expand economic cooperation and encourage stronger public-private partnerships.
Cheema expressed confidence that the five-year roadmap for trade and economic cooperation would be signed during the visit, providing a framework for expanding bilateral trade, investment, connectivity and broader economic collaboration.
The meeting was also informed that consensus has been reached on several memorandums of understanding and agreements expected to be signed during the visit to enhance cooperation across multiple sectors.
Concluding the meeting, Cheema directed all relevant ministries and departments to ensure timely completion of arrangements, saying the visit offered an opportunity to deepen economic ties, improve regional connectivity and unlock greater trade potential between Pakistan and Uzbekistan.
