Uzbekistan Starts Weekly Direct Flights to Islamabad

In a major boost to regional economic cooperation, Uzbekistan has emerged as Pakistan’s largest trading partner in Central Asia, according to Ambassador Alisher Tukhtaev. Speaking at a press briefing in Islamabad, the Uzbek envoy revealed that bilateral trade exceeded $400 million in 2024 and has already reached $253.7 million in the first half of 2025—a 123% increase compared to the same period last year. This milestone marks a new chapter in trade and diplomatic ties between the two nations.

Driving Growth in Trade

Ambassador Tukhtaev attributed this impressive growth to deeper economic collaboration, trade exhibitions, and a shared strategic vision. Initiatives like “Made in Uzbekistan” and “Food Fest Uzbekistan”, hosted in Lahore and Karachi, generated trade agreements worth over $120 million. These events showcased Uzbekistan’s expanding export capacity and highlighted Pakistan’s growing demand for Central Asian goods, including textiles, dried fruits, machinery, and agricultural products.

Currently, over 130 joint ventures operate between Uzbek and Pakistani entities across sectors such as pharmaceuticals, food processing, logistics, construction, and digital services. Both governments are working to simplify trade mechanisms by establishing trade houses in Lahore and Karachi, which will act as permanent centers for business facilitation and investment support.

Financial and Trade Facilitation

To streamline cross-border transactions, Uzbekistan and Pakistan are advancing banking cooperation and mutual payment systems, reducing reliance on third-country currencies. Discussions are ongoing to expand the Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) to cover additional products, especially in textiles and processed foods. These steps aim to create long-term, sustainable, and equitable trade relations.

Infrastructure and Connectivity

Infrastructure and logistics are key areas of collaboration. Uzbekistan is negotiating access to Pakistan’s Karachi and Gwadar seaports, which would shorten trade routes to global markets. The two countries are also progressing toward a trilateral transit trade agreement with Afghanistan, establishing secure land-based corridors. Plans to launch a joint transport and logistics company are underway to enhance cross-border goods movement.

Strengthening People-to-People Ties

Economic ties are complemented by strong people-to-people connections. Eased visa policies, direct flights between Tashkent-Lahore (April 2025) and Tashkent-Islamabad (June 2025), and cultural initiatives are fostering goodwill, tourism, and academic exchanges.

Uzbekistan’s active participation in Nowruz festivals, Young Entrepreneurs Forums, and joint tourism ventures, such as the Central Asia Tour 2025 by Pakistani bikers, reflects growing cultural and social engagement. Ambassador Tukhtaev emphasized that these interactions build trust and long-term partnerships that go beyond economics.

Investment Opportunities in Uzbekistan

As Uzbekistan emerges as a rising economic power with natural resources, strategic location, and skilled labor, the country is keen to attract Pakistani investment. Ambassador Tukhtaev highlighted tax incentives, a stable regulatory framework, and immense potential across manufacturing, agriculture, mining, and IT.

He extended an open invitation to Pakistani businesses, investors, students, and tourists to explore opportunities in Uzbekistan, signaling a new era of bilateral cooperation that could reshape the regional economic landscape.

Conclusion:

With trade numbers climbing, infrastructure projects progressing, and cultural and business ties deepening, Uzbekistan and Pakistan are poised to enter a new era of partnership, fostering sustainable growth, regional stability, and mutual prosperity.