ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Uzbekistan signed Business-to-Business (B2B) agreements worth $3.4 billion at the Pakistan–Uzbekistan Business Forum in Islamabad, marking a major step forward in bilateral economic cooperation.
The forum was attended by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and visiting Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, who is on a two-day state visit to Pakistan. Addressing business leaders and ministers from both sides, Prime Minister Sharif invited Uzbek firms to explore investment opportunities in Pakistan’s textile, pharmaceutical, mining, agriculture and tourism sectors.
The private-sector agreements span multiple industries, including textiles, pharmaceuticals, leather, engineering goods, and agriculture. Both leaders assured investors of a conducive business environment and pledged zero tolerance for corruption and bureaucratic hurdles. Prime Minister Sharif described himself as the “CEO of Pakistan” for the forum and assured business leaders that any bottlenecks would be removed promptly.
The two countries also signed a protocol to raise bilateral trade to $2 billion within five years. Both sides termed the target “ambitious yet achievable,” emphasizing that structured programs and policy frameworks are already in place to facilitate growth. Uzbekistan offered 10-year tax exemptions and support to Pakistani pharmaceutical companies and invited Pakistani expertise to manage approximately 30 high-tech textile enterprises.
Connectivity remained a central focus during the visit. Both countries reaffirmed their commitment to the Uzbekistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan (UAP) Railway Project and endorsed the Termiz–Kharlachi route, recognizing its importance for regional integration and trade expansion.
In addition, the Anti-Corruption Agency of Uzbekistan and Pakistan’s National Accountability Bureau signed an MoU to strengthen cooperation against corruption. Later, President Asif Ali Zardari conferred the Nishan-e-Pakistan upon President Mirziyoyev in recognition of his efforts to strengthen bilateral ties.
The visit underscored a shared commitment to deepening strategic partnership and expanding economic collaboration between the two countries.
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