ISLAMABAD, October 25. /Dunyo IA/. Pakistan’s major retail chain "Al-Fatah" is considering opening dedicated “Made in Uzbekistan” sections in its supermarkets to promote Uzbek products on the local market, reports Dunyo IA correspondent.

Prospects for supplying products from Uzbekistan and expanding bilateral trade and economic cooperation were discussed by Ambassador of Uzbekistan Alisher Tukhtaev and "Al-Fatah" Director General Muhammad Anis.

The sides explored opportunities to supply the retail chain with Uzbek confectionery, dried fruits, nuts, fresh fruits and vegetables, legumes, canned goods, jams, tomato paste, honey, vegetable oil, processed meat products and other consumer goods.

Management of "Al-Fatah" expressed particular interest in dried fruits, nuts, agricultural products and confectionery from Uzbekistan. National ceramics were also identified as a promising area, with potential demand among Pakistani consumers.

Following the meeting, the sides agreed to explore opportunities for direct supplies to "Al-Fatah" of finished products from Uzbek manufacturers that are already well established on the domestic market and have export potential. They also discussed a project to package dried fruits, nuts, legumes and other food products at Uzbek enterprises under the "Al-Fatah" brand.

“One important area of cooperation will be the establishment of dedicated ‘Made in Uzbekistan’ sections in major "Al-Fatah" stores in Lahore, Islamabad and, in the future, other cities across Pakistan”, Muhammad Anis said.

According to him, dedicated sections featuring Uzbek products could attract local consumers, as such goods are not yet widely available on the Pakistani market. As a first step, a pilot project with a limited product range has been proposed. Depending on sales results and consumer demand, the range of products and the number of retail outlets could then be gradually expanded.

Talks also focused on prospects for exporting Uzbek halal sausages and other processed meat products to Pakistan. The sides supported a proposal to explore the possibility of trial sales through the Al-Fatah retail chain, subject to compliance with import and sanitary requirements and halal certification rules.

Founded in 1941, "Al-Fatah" is now one of Pakistan’s major retail chains. In addition to food products, the company sells household appliances, cosmetics, toys, travel goods and other consumer products.

Chain currently operates 35 retail outlets in major cities across the country, as well as 11 additional stores operating under a franchise model.