ISLAMABAD, February 2. /Dunyo IA/. Articles titled “Strategic Importance of Pakistani Ports in Uzbekistan’s Foreign Trade” have been published in Pakistani online media outlets – “Daily Ausaf”, “Sub News English”, “The Diplomatic Insight”, “News Network Pakistan”, and “Daily Sub News”, reports Dunyo IA correspondent.

The publications note that the observed instability in global geopolitics, as well as disruptions and problems in transport and logistics systems, directly affect trade and economic relations between states, as well as the stability of national economies and the standard of living of the population. In this context, strategically planned development of foreign trade transport corridors, their resilience to unforeseen changes, ensuring economic stability, and strengthening food security acquire particular significance.

It is emphasized that Uzbekistan, due to its unique geographical location, is among the countries that need to cross at least two other states to reach the sea. At the same time, thanks to its central position in the Eurasian region, the country has historically been at the crossroads of important trade routes.

The publications also note that the construction project of the “Uzbekistan – Afghanistan – Pakistan” railway, as well as the proposed international multimodal transport corridor within its framework – “Belarus – Russia – Kazakhstan – Uzbekistan – Afghanistan – Pakistan” – will not only provide Uzbekistan access to the nearest seaports but also open the shortest maritime route to the markets of South Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and the Asia-Pacific region.

“By the end of 2025, the volume of cargo transported through the ‘Uzbekistan – Afghanistan – Pakistan’ corridor exceeded 400,000 tons, an 11% increase compared to the previous year. In particular, the volume of imported goods increased by 22% – up to 243,000 tons – indicating the growing significance of transportation through Pakistani ports for Uzbekistan’s domestic market,” Pakistani media report.

In conclusion, the publications state that Uzbekistan has gained access to three key Pakistani seaports – Karachi, Qasim, and Gwadar. Through these ports, direct maritime links have been established with hundreds of ports worldwide. This creates opportunities for fast and cost-competitive delivery of Uzbekistan’s export products to markets in South Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and the Asia-Pacific region.