ISLAMABAD, Friday, September 12, 2025 (WNP): Uzbekistan’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Alisher Tukhtaev, on Friday lauded Sheharyar Memon on assuming charge as focal person of the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme (PMYP) for overseas affairs and business and trade linkages, urging him to play an active role in promoting bilateral economic cooperation between Pakistan and Uzbekistan.

During a meeting at the Uzbek Embassy, Memon congratulated the envoy on the upcoming launch of a second direct flight between Tashkent and Islamabad, scheduled for September 28, terming it a milestone for expanding trade, tourism, and cultural exchanges. He noted that the new connection, alongside existing flights from Lahore, would further strengthen Pakistan’s integration with Uzbekistan and the broader Central Asian region.

Ambassador Tukhtaev welcomed the development, stressing that enhanced air connectivity was vital for boosting economic relations. He said Uzbekistan was committed to expanding direct flights to other major Pakistani cities and deepening collaboration in tourism, culture, and business.

Highlighting his country’s progress, the envoy said Uzbekistan had entered a ‘New Era’ under the leadership of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. Despite global challenges, Uzbekistan’s economy has been growing at over 6 percent annually, with GDP doubling in the past eight years to $115 billion in 2024 and projected to exceed $150 billion this year. Exports reached $26 billion, while foreign reserves topped $48 billion for the first time.

He added that Uzbekistan has attracted nearly $130 billion in foreign investment, with $35 billion invested this year alone, creating thousands of new enterprises. On the eve of Independence Day, 79 major projects worth $4 billion were launched, he noted.

Ambassador Tukhtaev also pointed out that the number of small and medium-sized enterprises had doubled, employing more than 10 million people. Tourism, too, has seen significant growth, with over 11 million visitors last year generating $3 billion in revenue. By 2030, Uzbekistan aims to attract an additional $35 billion in investment and increase renewable energy’s share to 54 percent.

“Uzbekistan is no longer just an exporter of raw materials,” the envoy said, citing industrial output growth from $29 billion in 2017 to $70 billion this year. He emphasized that modern technologies and knowledge were transforming key sectors, creating jobs, and building a stronger workforce for the future.