LAHORE, April 22. /Dunyo IA/. Ambassador of Uzbekistan Alisher Tukhtaev, during his visit to Lahore, held a meeting with President and Chief Executive Officer of Himont Group Ijaz Ahmed Siddiqui, reports Dunyo IA correspondent.

During the talks, the parties discussed prospects for further development of economic cooperation between Uzbekistan and Pakistan, with a particular focus on deepening collaboration in the pharmaceutical sector. Special attention was given to attracting foreign investment, implementing joint projects, and localizing the production of essential imported medicines.

The Pakistani side was presented with detailed information on Uzbekistan’s favourable business environment, incentives and preferences for foreign investors, as well as the capabilities of pharmaceutical clusters and their infrastructure.

Ahmed Siddiqui noted that he had previously visited Uzbekistan and explored opportunities for joint projects in the pharmaceutical industry. According to him, infrastructure limitations in the early years of independence had prevented the realization of such initiatives.

“Since 2017, we have witnessed large-scale reforms in Uzbekistan. The country has created an open and attractive investment climate. Therefore, our company is interested in implementing a pharmaceutical production project in Uzbekistan”, - he stated.

He also proposed establishing a modern pharmaceutical manufacturing facility worth approximately USD 3 million on the basis of equal partnership, involving local partners and conducting an in-depth analysis of Uzbekistan’s pharmaceutical market.

In addition, the sides discussed initiatives related to the production of high-demand medicines, the introduction of advanced technologies, the exchange of specialists, as well as the organization of training and educational programs to enhance the sector’s human capital.

Following the meeting, the parties agreed to hold online consultations with the participation of relevant government agencies of Uzbekistan to further consider the proposals.

Himont Group, founded in 1994, specializes in the production of pharmaceutical products, including herbal medicines and dietary supplements. The company currently produces more than 230 types of products and has held an international GMP certification since 1995.