ISLAMABAD, May 15. /Dunyo IA/. Pakistani companies are planning to establish a major livestock complex in Karakalpakstan as Uzbekistan and Pakistan expand cooperation in agriculture, education, IT and infrastructure development, reports Dunyo IA correspondent.

The initiative was discussed during trilateral negotiations involving Uzbekistan’s Ambassador Alisher Tukhtayev, Chairman of the Council of Ministers of Karakalpakstan Farhod Ermanov, and Group Chief Operating Officer of “Habib Rafiq Pvt. Ltd” Muhammad Aslam Malik.

Representatives of the Pakistani livestock company “SK Livestock” and specialists from the University of Agriculture in Multan also took part in the meeting.

During the talks, the sides discussed prospects for expanding cooperation in agriculture, livestock breeding, agrarian education, information technologies and telecommunications infrastructure.

Representatives of Karakalpakstan presented the region’s economic and investment potential, emphasizing its land and water resources, relatively low electricity costs, workforce availability and agro-industrial opportunities for large-scale agricultural and infrastructure projects.

The Pakistani side proposed creating a modern livestock complex focused on meat and dairy production. The project includes the import of pedigree cattle from Pakistan, breeding them under local climatic conditions, improving the quality of meat and dairy products, and introducing modern feed systems for local farms.

Farhod Ermanov supported the initiative and expressed interest in bringing more than 40,000 head of cattle to the region.

The sides also discussed launching a feed production project alongside the livestock complex to support local farms with quality feed, improve livestock productivity and strengthen domestic supply of meat and dairy products.

Additional discussions focused on introducing Pakistani experience in potato cultivation in Karakalpakstan and developing joint educational programs in agrarian studies and workforce training.

Specialists from the University of Agriculture in Multan expressed readiness to establish direct partnerships with higher education institutions in Karakalpakstan, including Karakalpak State University.

In the IT and telecommunications sector, the participants discussed the concept of a unified infrastructure corridor for “smart city” projects planned by “HRL Group” in Khojaly district and Nukus.

The concept envisages integrating water supply, sewage, electricity, telecommunications and internet networks within a single infrastructure corridor during urban development to improve infrastructure management and service quality.

At the conclusion of the talks, the sides agreed to intensify cooperation and organize a visit of Karakalpakstan representatives to Pakistan to begin practical implementation of the projects.