ISLAMABAD – Uzbekistan Ambassador His Excellency Alisher Tukhtaev disclosed a significant boost to direct air links, saying Uzbekistan Airways is set to double its weekly flights on the crucial Tashkent – Islamabad route, increasing the frequency from one to two flights per week.
This move comes as the two nations actively seek to strengthen economic ties and connectivity. Leadership of Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI), headed by President Sardar Tahir Mehmood, along with Senior Vice President Tahir Ayub and Vice President Mohammad Irfan Chaudhry, visited the Embassy of Uzbekistan in Islamabad to discuss strengthening bilateral trade and economic relations.
During the meeting, the Ambassador noted the current bilateral trade volume stands around $400 – $500 million, a figure he called far below the actual potential. He stressed that both countries must raise this figure to at least $2 billion within the next couple of years. He confirmed Uzbekistan is one of the leading importers of Pakistani goods among Central Asian Republics, while Pakistan imports a variety of Uzbek products like cotton yarn and fruits.
Ambassador Tukhtaev also highlighted the historic and friendly relations between two brotherly countries, emphasizing the tremendous potential for expanding trade in multiple sectors, including agriculture, textiles, sports goods, and surgical instruments. Discussing connectivity, the Ambassador underlined importance of rail and air linkages saying it play a crucial role in promoting trade and investment. He informed the delegation that Uzbekistan Airways is planning the flight increase on the Tashkent – Islamabad–Tashkent route. He stated that more flights will not only facilitate passengers but will also strengthen business linkages, trade opportunities, and people-to-people contacts.
ICCI Urges B2B Collaboration:
Speaking on the occasion, ICCI President Sardar Tahir Mehmood said Pakistan offers immense potential for trade and investment, particularly in agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism. He expressed the business community’s desire to develop strong trade relations with Uzbekistan, underscoring that collaboration between ICCI and the Tashkent Chamber of Commerce and Industry is essential to promoting bilateral trade through B2B engagements and joint ventures.
Sardar Tahir Mehmood added expressing the growing partnership between Uzbekistan and Pakistan marks a new chapter in regional connectivity, economic cooperation, and shared prosperity. He extended an invitation to the Ambassador to visit ICCI, which His Excellency graciously accepted, assuring the delegation he would visit soon to further explore avenues for trade promotion and business cooperation.
Issuing a press statement the ICCI informed during the meeting in the Embassy, Trade Counselor Alisher Duschanov, ICCI Senior Vice President Tahir Ayub, and Vice President Irfan Chaudhry also shared their insights on enhancing trade prospects.
