ISLAMABAD, Friday, February 6, 2026 (WNP): A national exhibition showcasing Uzbekistan’s cultural, culinary, and industrial strengths under the “Made in Uzbekistan” brand was held in Islamabad as part of the state visit of President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev to Pakistan on February 5–6, 2026.

Organized at the invitation of Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, the exhibition aimed to deepen bilateral cooperation in tourism, trade, and investment, while highlighting Uzbekistan’s export potential and rich cultural heritage.

A key attraction of the exhibition was the official launch of the “Delicious Uzbekistan” gastro-tourism corner on February 5 at the “Made in Uzbekistan” pavilion.

The initiative was spearheaded by the Tourism Committee of Uzbekistan in collaboration with relevant ministries and agencies. The dedicated space offered visitors an immersive introduction to Uzbekistan’s diverse national cuisine, regional specialties, and modern gastronomic products.

Renowned Uzbek chefs conducted live presentations and tastings, alongside a special briefing on “Uzbekistan’s Gastronomic Tourism Potential,” underscoring the country’s growing profile as an emerging destination for culinary tourism. Guests sampled authentic Uzbek dishes prepared from national and locally sourced ingredients, noted for their distinctive flavors and traditional techniques.

The exhibition drew high-level participation, including President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, members of the diplomatic corps, potential investors, business leaders, representatives of international and local media, and members of the general public.

The strong turnout reflected growing interest in expanding people-to-people contacts and commercial engagement between the two countries.

In addition to culinary showcases, the exhibition featured presentations of locally manufactured Uzbek goods that have gained traction in international markets. These products were highlighted as key drivers of Uzbekistan’s export strategy and as tools for strengthening the country’s national brand abroad.

Officials also emphasized the role of enhanced air connectivity in promoting tourism exchanges. Direct flights between Uzbekistan and Pakistan are currently operated by Uzbekistan Airways JSC on the Tashkent–Lahore–Tashkent and Tashkent–Islamabad–Tashkent routes, providing convenient travel options for tourists, business travelers, and investors from both sides.

The event built on earlier tourism promotion efforts, including “Road Show” events organized in April 2025 in Lahore, Karachi, and Islamabad by the Tourism Committee of Uzbekistan in collaboration with the Government of Pakistan, the Embassy of Uzbekistan in Islamabad, tourism companies, hotel industry professionals, business circles, and media representatives. Those initiatives were aimed at raising awareness of Uzbekistan’s tourism offerings among Pakistani stakeholders.

During the Islamabad exhibition, representatives of Uzbekistan’s Tourism Committee briefed participants and foreign investors on wide-ranging reforms undertaken in the country’s tourism sector, the investor-friendly environment, and a range of prospective tourism and hospitality projects. These presentations were received with keen interest, particularly from business and investment circles.

The “Made in Uzbekistan” exhibition was widely viewed as a vivid demonstration of the shared cultural values and historical connections between Pakistan and Uzbekistan.

Beyond promoting trade and tourism, the event contributed to strengthening mutual understanding and cooperation, reinforcing bilateral ties grounded in shared heritage and a common vision for peace, stability, and prosperity in the wider region.