ISLAMABAD, December 25. /Dunyo IA/. Ambassador of Uzbekistan Alisher Tukhtaev held talks with Rana Ihsan Afzal Khan, Coordinator to the Prime Minister of Pakistan on Commerce and Industries, reports Dunyo IA correspondent.

Particular attention was paid to the current state and future prospects of Uzbekistan-Pakistan trade and economic cooperation. From January to November 2025, bilateral trade reached $434 million. Challenges constraining trade growth were also discussed, emphasizing the importance of stable transit corridors, enhanced interagency coordination on customs and border procedures and simplified mechanisms for bilateral cargo transport.

Another key topic was the further development of tourism ties. Officials noted a significant increase in tourist and business travel from Pakistan to Uzbekistan in 2025. In this context, the importance of establishing direct flights on the Tashkent–Karachi route alongside existing services was emphasized.

The meeting focused on expanding industrial cooperation, developing bilateral trade and economic relations, exploring alternative transit and logistics routes and enhancing interregional collaboration between the two countries.

Ambassador Alisher Tukhtaev briefed the Pakistani side on Uzbekistan’s broad economic reforms, state policies aimed at infrastructure development and the investment potential of the country’s regions. He highlighted the sustained and steady growth of Uzbekistan’s economy, including continuous increases in GDP and a significant rise in foreign direct investment inflows.

The discussion included the implementation of the trilateral framework agreement signed in July 2025 on the Trans-Afghan Railway project, as well as the potential expansion of product categories under the Preferential Trade Agreement. A proposal was made to organize a business mission involving major Pakistani leather industry companies to explore investment opportunities in Uzbekistan.

The parties agreed to continue mutual dialogue and provide comprehensive support for cooperation in trade, economic, transport, logistics, industrial and tourism sectors.