Pakistan, Uzbekistan target $2 billion bilateral trade by 2029; leaders stress trade, connectivity and economic cooperation
BISHKEK, Monday, August 31, 2026 (WNP): Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif met President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev on the sidelines of the SCO Council of Heads of State Meeting in Bishkek and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to further strengthening the bilateral Strategic Partnership.
The Prime Minister conveyed warm felicitations to President Mirziyoyev and the brotherly people of Uzbekistan on the 35th anniversary of Uzbekistan’s independence, recalling the Uzbek President’s State Visit to Pakistan in February 2026 and the inaugural meeting of the High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council, which had given fresh momentum to bilateral ties.
Prime Minister Shehbaz stressed the need for timely implementation of leadership-level decisions, particularly in trade, investment, connectivity and economic cooperation.
He reiterated the shared objective of increasing bilateral trade to US$2 billion by 2029, calling for effective implementation of the expanded Preferential Trade Agreement, enhanced business-to-business engagement and mutually beneficial joint ventures.
Highlighting regional connectivity as a strategic priority, the Prime Minister underscored the transformative potential of the Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan Railway for linking Central and South Asia and providing Uzbekistan access to Pakistan’s seaports.
He called for early progress on the Joint Feasibility Study, greater use of existing multimodal transport corridors and assured that Pakistan would facilitate Uzbek trade through its ports and transport infrastructure.
The two leaders also discussed expanding cooperation in industry, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, textiles, mining, digital technologies, education, culture, defence and security. Prime Minister Shehbaz supported enhanced air connectivity, including progress towards direct Tashkent-Karachi flights.
The Prime Minister appreciated Uzbekistan’s support for Pakistan’s forthcoming Chairmanship of the SCO Council of Heads of State and expressed the desire to work closely with Uzbekistan on regional security, connectivity, trade and sustainable development. He also reaffirmed continued cooperation through the Economic Cooperation Organisation (ECO) and other multilateral forums.
Prime Minister Shehbaz reaffirmed Pakistan’s resolve to translate the excellent political relationship with Uzbekistan into tangible economic and developmental benefits for the peoples of both countries.
Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan, Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan and Minister for Information and Broadcasting Ataullah Tarar were also present during the meeting.
