Relations between Uzbekistan and Pakistan have been strengthening year by year. Pakistan is considered one of Uzbekistan’s most reliable partners not only in South Asia and the Islamic world but also globally. This country was among the first to recognize the independence of the Republic of Uzbekistan on December 20, 1991. Diplomatic relations between the two nations were officially established on May 10, 1992.

Uzbekistan has been paying special attention to developing a partnership with Pakistan, whose economic and political potential has steadily grown. In recent years, this cooperation has gained even greater significance. Today, as key participants in ensuring regional stability and integration, both countries are further strengthening the strategic nature of their relations.

Mutual Trade and Export Indicators

Economic relations between Uzbekistan and Pakistan have reached a new level recently. The trade turnover between the two countries, which stood at $122 million in 2019, increased to $387 million by 2023. The leaders of both nations have set a goal to raise this figure to $1 billion, highlighting the growing importance of their partnership. To further enhance trade relations, plans are underway to develop online platforms, facilitating communication between exporters and importers and opening new trade routes. 

According to the Statistics Agency, Uzbekistan exported 124,7 thousand tons of fruits and vegetables to Pakistan in 2024, totaling $192.3 million. Additionally, Pakistan became one of Uzbekistan’s key export partners in 2024, with the trade volume reaching $300 million.

The UzbekPak International Trading Centre has been established to strengthen trade relations. This trade hub is a platform to showcase Uzbekistan’s industrial achievements, including top-quality textile, agricultural, and food products. Additionally, exhibitions such as “Made in Pakistan” and “Made in Uzbekistan” are expanding the scope of trade and cultural cooperation between the two nations.

Promising Sectors for Investment

Uzbekistan is known for its stable investment climate, offering significant opportunities for Pakistani investors in key industries such as textiles, pharmaceuticals, agricultural processing, and the food sector. 

The government actively supports various projects and ensures favorable conditions for investors. In this process, B2B meetings between entrepreneurs from both countries play a crucial role, fostering the development of new investment projects and strengthening economic cooperation.

Transport and Logistics Infrastructure Projects

Uzbekistan and Pakistan are taking their cooperation in the transport and logistics sector to a new level. In November 2024, a direct flight route between Tashkent and Lahore was launched, strengthening ties across various industries. 

Negotiations are ongoing to establish an air route from Tashkent to Karachi, Pakistan’s second-largest city. 

In collaboration with TCS, a project is underway to organize air cargo transportation between Tashkent and Karachi. This initiative will enable the rapid delivery of perishable food products, enhancing trade efficiency between the two countries.

Development of Logistics Centers and Infrastructure

Expanding the capacity of the Termez Cargo Center in Termez is another key project in logistics development. This hub is crucial in facilitating goods delivery through Afghanistan and Pakistan. Plans include constructing new warehouses and improving service systems to enhance operational efficiency. An agreement has been signed with the National Logistics Corporation to develop infrastructure for cargo storage and redistribution at this base. Soon, the transit of goods to Central Asian and European countries is expected to become significantly more streamlined.

Significance of the Trans-Afghan Transport Corridor

The Trans-Afghan railway is a vital link between Central and South Asia, providing Uzbekistan with direct access to Pakistan’s seaports. This project is expected to boost regional trade and economic cooperation. The railway, spanning approximately 760 kilometers, will run along the Termez – Mazar-i-Sharif – Kabul – Peshawar route. The total estimated cost of the project is $4.8 billion. 

According to Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Transport, a technical and economic feasibility study is being developed. The construction, set to begin this year, will take at least five years to complete. 

Once operational, the Trans-Afghan railway will reduce cargo transit time from Pakistan to Uzbekistan from 35 to just 3-5 days. Additionally, the cost of transporting a standard container is anticipated to decrease by nearly three times, significantly enhancing trade efficiency.

Financial Cooperation and Enhancement of Mutual Settlements

To increase trade volume between Uzbekistan and Pakistan, efforts are being made to develop financial relations and improve interbank settlements. 

On January 5, 2025, Uzbekistan’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Alisher Tokhtayev, met with the Governor of the State Bank of Pakistan, Jameel Ahmad. At the meeting, the parties discussed ways to enhance interbank payment mechanisms to facilitate bilateral trade. While certain commercial banks have established connections, it was noted that many business entities are not yet utilizing available financial services. The need for a thorough analysis of this issue was emphasized.

Mr. Jameel Ahmad stated that foreign banks and countries can conduct payments freely in Pakistan. It was recommended that Uzbek banks interested in operating in Pakistan first establish a representative office and later open a full-fledged branch.  Information about Pakistan’s barter trade system with certain countries was shared at the meeting. It was highlighted that this system could serve as an effective tool for facilitating bilateral trade.

Cultural and Humanitarian Cooperation

On January 3, 2025, a grand opening ceremony was held in Karachi for the UzbekPak International Trading Centre and the UzbekPak Cultural Centre. The event was organized in collaboration with the Embassy of Uzbekistan in Pakistan and Diners Group. It was attended by prominent entrepreneurs from Karachi, heads of export-import companies, business representatives, and tourism industry professionals. 

Sohail Moten, the head of Diners Group, emphasized that the trade and cultural centers will play a crucial role in restoring regional connectivity, increasing trade volumes, and providing essential information for investors.

Tourism and Educational Exchange Programs

The number of Pakistani students studying in Uzbekistan exceeded 1,300 in 2024, reflecting the growing educational exchange between the two countries. New academic and research programs are being introduced to expand cooperation in this sector. Pakistani students can pursue higher education in medicine, engineering, and the humanities in Uzbekistan. 

To promote tourism, visa procedures between the two countries have been simplified. Additionally, cooperation memorandums have been signed between universities in Uzbekistan and Pakistan as part of educational exchange programs.

“The initiative of the President of Uzbekistan to simplify the visa issuance process for Pakistani citizens and establish direct flights is a welcome step for our society”, says Uzbekistan’s Honorary Consul Najeeb Vohra. “These measures add a new dimension to our revitalized relations. Time is the most valuable and non-renewable resource for business professionals. As a business community representative, I can confidently say that the newly opened air routes will save valuable time for entrepreneurs from both countries, accelerate interactions, and pave the way for new joint projects”.

Pakistan Continuously Supports Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan and Pakistan maintain practical cooperation within various international and regional organizations, actively supporting each other’s positions. This partnership is particularly evident in platforms such as the United Nations (UN), Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO), where both countries endorse each other’s proposals and initiatives. Pakistan also supports Uzbekistan’s accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO). On December 6, 2024, Uzbekistan and Pakistan signed a memorandum supporting Uzbekistan’s WTO accession. This document acknowledges Uzbekistan’s ongoing reforms and serious efforts toward integrating into the global trade system. The memorandum was signed by Azizbek Urunov, Uzbekistan’s Special Representative on WTO Affairs, and Ali Sarfraz Hussain, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the WTO.

Multimodal Transport Corridor

In 2024, an agreement was ratified to establish a multimodal transport corridor passing through Uzbekistan, Belarus, Russia, Kazakhstan, Afghanistan, and Pakistan. This project aims to streamline cargo transportation, reducing transit time and logistical complexities.

Alternative Transport Routes

As part of Uzbekistan’s transport and logistics development strategy, the country plans to work on the following routes by 2025: 

Turkmenistan – Iran – Türkiye – European Union; Turkmenistan – Azerbaijan – Georgia – Europe; Uzbekistan – Afghanistan – Pakistan; Uzbekistan (Andijan) – Kyrgyzstan (Osh, Irkeshtam) – China (Kashgar).

These routes will help diversify international trade corridors and enhance transport and logistics potential. 

Strengthening the strategic partnership between Uzbekistan and Pakistan is crucial for regional stability and development. It also contributes to the economic growth of both countries. 

Abduaziz Khidirov, UzA

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Uzbekistan – Pakistan: Prospects for Strategic Partnership and Regional Integration

Relations between Uzbekistan and Pakistan have been strengthening year by year. Pakistan is considered one of Uzbekistan’s most reliable partners not only in South Asia and the Islamic world but also globally. This country was among the first to recognize the independence of the Republic of Uzbekistan on December 20, 1991. Diplomatic relations between the two nations were officially established on May 10, 1992.

Uzbekistan has been paying special attention to developing a partnership with Pakistan, whose economic and political potential has steadily grown. In recent years, this cooperation has gained even greater significance. Today, as key participants in ensuring regional stability and integration, both countries are further strengthening the strategic nature of their relations.

Mutual Trade and Export Indicators

Economic relations between Uzbekistan and Pakistan have reached a new level recently. The trade turnover between the two countries, which stood at $122 million in 2019, increased to $387 million by 2023. The leaders of both nations have set a goal to raise this figure to $1 billion, highlighting the growing importance of their partnership. To further enhance trade relations, plans are underway to develop online platforms, facilitating communication between exporters and importers and opening new trade routes. 

According to the Statistics Agency, Uzbekistan exported 124,7 thousand tons of fruits and vegetables to Pakistan in 2024, totaling $192.3 million. Additionally, Pakistan became one of Uzbekistan’s key export partners in 2024, with the trade volume reaching $300 million.

The UzbekPak International Trading Centre has been established to strengthen trade relations. This trade hub is a platform to showcase Uzbekistan’s industrial achievements, including top-quality textile, agricultural, and food products. Additionally, exhibitions such as “Made in Pakistan” and “Made in Uzbekistan” are expanding the scope of trade and cultural cooperation between the two nations.

Promising Sectors for Investment

Uzbekistan is known for its stable investment climate, offering significant opportunities for Pakistani investors in key industries such as textiles, pharmaceuticals, agricultural processing, and the food sector. 

The government actively supports various projects and ensures favorable conditions for investors. In this process, B2B meetings between entrepreneurs from both countries play a crucial role, fostering the development of new investment projects and strengthening economic cooperation.

Transport and Logistics Infrastructure Projects

Uzbekistan and Pakistan are taking their cooperation in the transport and logistics sector to a new level. In November 2024, a direct flight route between Tashkent and Lahore was launched, strengthening ties across various industries. 

Negotiations are ongoing to establish an air route from Tashkent to Karachi, Pakistan’s second-largest city. 

In collaboration with TCS, a project is underway to organize air cargo transportation between Tashkent and Karachi. This initiative will enable the rapid delivery of perishable food products, enhancing trade efficiency between the two countries.

Development of Logistics Centers and Infrastructure

Expanding the capacity of the Termez Cargo Center in Termez is another key project in logistics development. This hub is crucial in facilitating goods delivery through Afghanistan and Pakistan. Plans include constructing new warehouses and improving service systems to enhance operational efficiency. An agreement has been signed with the National Logistics Corporation to develop infrastructure for cargo storage and redistribution at this base. Soon, the transit of goods to Central Asian and European countries is expected to become significantly more streamlined.

Significance of the Trans-Afghan Transport Corridor

The Trans-Afghan railway is a vital link between Central and South Asia, providing Uzbekistan with direct access to Pakistan’s seaports. This project is expected to boost regional trade and economic cooperation. The railway, spanning approximately 760 kilometers, will run along the Termez – Mazar-i-Sharif – Kabul – Peshawar route. The total estimated cost of the project is $4.8 billion. 

According to Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Transport, a technical and economic feasibility study is being developed. The construction, set to begin this year, will take at least five years to complete. 

Once operational, the Trans-Afghan railway will reduce cargo transit time from Pakistan to Uzbekistan from 35 to just 3-5 days. Additionally, the cost of transporting a standard container is anticipated to decrease by nearly three times, significantly enhancing trade efficiency.

Financial Cooperation and Enhancement of Mutual Settlements

To increase trade volume between Uzbekistan and Pakistan, efforts are being made to develop financial relations and improve interbank settlements. 

On January 5, 2025, Uzbekistan’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Alisher Tokhtayev, met with the Governor of the State Bank of Pakistan, Jameel Ahmad. At the meeting, the parties discussed ways to enhance interbank payment mechanisms to facilitate bilateral trade. While certain commercial banks have established connections, it was noted that many business entities are not yet utilizing available financial services. The need for a thorough analysis of this issue was emphasized.

Mr. Jameel Ahmad stated that foreign banks and countries can conduct payments freely in Pakistan. It was recommended that Uzbek banks interested in operating in Pakistan first establish a representative office and later open a full-fledged branch.  Information about Pakistan’s barter trade system with certain countries was shared at the meeting. It was highlighted that this system could serve as an effective tool for facilitating bilateral trade.

Cultural and Humanitarian Cooperation

On January 3, 2025, a grand opening ceremony was held in Karachi for the UzbekPak International Trading Centre and the UzbekPak Cultural Centre. The event was organized in collaboration with the Embassy of Uzbekistan in Pakistan and Diners Group. It was attended by prominent entrepreneurs from Karachi, heads of export-import companies, business representatives, and tourism industry professionals. 

Sohail Moten, the head of Diners Group, emphasized that the trade and cultural centers will play a crucial role in restoring regional connectivity, increasing trade volumes, and providing essential information for investors.

Tourism and Educational Exchange Programs

The number of Pakistani students studying in Uzbekistan exceeded 1,300 in 2024, reflecting the growing educational exchange between the two countries. New academic and research programs are being introduced to expand cooperation in this sector. Pakistani students can pursue higher education in medicine, engineering, and the humanities in Uzbekistan. 

To promote tourism, visa procedures between the two countries have been simplified. Additionally, cooperation memorandums have been signed between universities in Uzbekistan and Pakistan as part of educational exchange programs.

“The initiative of the President of Uzbekistan to simplify the visa issuance process for Pakistani citizens and establish direct flights is a welcome step for our society”, says Uzbekistan’s Honorary Consul Najeeb Vohra. “These measures add a new dimension to our revitalized relations. Time is the most valuable and non-renewable resource for business professionals. As a business community representative, I can confidently say that the newly opened air routes will save valuable time for entrepreneurs from both countries, accelerate interactions, and pave the way for new joint projects”.

Pakistan Continuously Supports Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan and Pakistan maintain practical cooperation within various international and regional organizations, actively supporting each other’s positions. This partnership is particularly evident in platforms such as the United Nations (UN), Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO), where both countries endorse each other’s proposals and initiatives. Pakistan also supports Uzbekistan’s accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO). On December 6, 2024, Uzbekistan and Pakistan signed a memorandum supporting Uzbekistan’s WTO accession. This document acknowledges Uzbekistan’s ongoing reforms and serious efforts toward integrating into the global trade system. The memorandum was signed by Azizbek Urunov, Uzbekistan’s Special Representative on WTO Affairs, and Ali Sarfraz Hussain, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the WTO.

Multimodal Transport Corridor

In 2024, an agreement was ratified to establish a multimodal transport corridor passing through Uzbekistan, Belarus, Russia, Kazakhstan, Afghanistan, and Pakistan. This project aims to streamline cargo transportation, reducing transit time and logistical complexities.

Alternative Transport Routes

As part of Uzbekistan’s transport and logistics development strategy, the country plans to work on the following routes by 2025: 

Turkmenistan – Iran – Türkiye – European Union; Turkmenistan – Azerbaijan – Georgia – Europe; Uzbekistan – Afghanistan – Pakistan; Uzbekistan (Andijan) – Kyrgyzstan (Osh, Irkeshtam) – China (Kashgar).

These routes will help diversify international trade corridors and enhance transport and logistics potential. 

Strengthening the strategic partnership between Uzbekistan and Pakistan is crucial for regional stability and development. It also contributes to the economic growth of both countries. 

Abduaziz Khidirov, UzA