ISLAMABAD: An alternative trade route for Uzbekistan through China could prove shorter and more efficient, and a comprehensive plan in this regard is currently under development, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Haroon Akhtar Khan said on Friday.
He was speaking at a high-level meeting of the Pakistan-Uzbekistan Joint Working Group held in Islamabad to review bilateral economic cooperation and explore new avenues to expand trade between the two countries.
During the meeting, participants reviewed progress on previously agreed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) and discussed measures to promote trade, improve trade routes and expand cooperation in multiple sectors.
Haroon Akhtar Khan said that under the vision of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, a five-year roadmap would be presented to significantly increase trade between Pakistan and Uzbekistan.
The meeting also decided to establish eight working groups aimed at accelerating Pakistan-Uzbekistan trade and economic cooperation in diverse sectors.
He reiterated that Pakistan remains committed to strengthening economic and diplomatic engagement with Central Asia to promote regional connectivity, trade and investment.
Both sides agreed to enhance cooperation in key sectors including energy, transport, agriculture and industry, while also exploring new trade opportunities to improve access to Central Asia.
Participants stressed the importance of accelerating joint initiatives to significantly increase the volume of bilateral trade between Pakistan and Uzbekistan.
Secretary Commerce Jawad Paul, along with representatives from various ministries and the Special Investment Facilitation Council, also attended the meeting.
