Cooperation between the Republic of Karakalpakstan and Pakistan's Punjab Province of Pakistan enters a new phase

Delegation of Uzbekistan, headed by the Chairman of the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Karakalpakstan Farkhod Ermanov and Ambassador Alisher Tukhtayev, held a meeting with the Chief Minister of Punjab Province Maryam Nawaz Sharif.

During the talks, parties discussed in detail the issues of further strengthening the strategic partnership between Uzbekistan and Pakistan, established through active political dialogue at the highest level in recent years, by expanding interregional cooperation. Particular attention was paid to the development of trade, economic, investment cooperation and industrial partnership.

Chief Minister of Punjab Province Maryam Nawaz Sharif expressed satisfaction with the routine meeting with the delegation from Uzbekistan's regions, emphasizing that ties between the territories of the two countries are consistently strengthening.

The talks focused on expanding trade, economic and investment cooperation between the Republic of Karakalpakstan and Punjab Province, as well as implementing joint projects in the fields of agriculture, animal husbandry, textiles, pharmaceuticals, information technology, mining and logistics.

In the agricultural sector, proposals were considered for organizing joint research and development work, exchanging experience in the field of agricultural technologies, introducing Punjab's advanced potato-growing technologies in Karakalpakstan, attracting Pakistani farmers, and allocating land plots to them for agricultural activities.

Meeting participants were provided with detailed information on the favorable investment climate created for foreign investors in the Republic of Karakalpakstan, existing tax and customs incentives, and the potential of free economic zones and major infrastructure projects. In this context, an initiative was put forward to establish a dedicated free economic zone with the participation of Punjab entrepreneurs. The Chief Minister of the province expressed readiness to comprehensively consider this proposal.

Given Pakistan's significant experience in the textile industry, the parties also discussed attracting investors working in this field to organize production facilities for high-value-added finished goods in Karakalpakstan. It was noted that all necessary conditions, including engineering, communication, energy, and other infrastructure, are available for the implementation of such projects.

During the negotiations, the prospects for mutually beneficial cooperation in the field of transport and logistics were also reviewed. In particular, an initiative was put forward to establish a modern international logistics center in Karakalpakstan, which could become an efficient transport and logistics platform for Pakistani entrepreneurs to access the markets of Europe, Central Asia, Asia and the CIS countries.

Furthermore, issues concerning the implementation of joint investment projects in the pharmaceutical industry, information technology sector, and mining industry were discussed. Readiness was confirmed to provide comprehensive support for the initiatives of Pakistani companies, ensuring they are supplied with the necessary engineering and communication infrastructure, energy resources, and water supply.

With a view to further developing cultural and humanitarian ties between the peoples of the two countries, an initiative was also put forward to establish sister-city relations between the cities of Nukus and Lahore. The Chief Minister of Punjab Province supported this proposal. The parties agreed to proceed with the preparation of the relevant agreement, as well as to conduct joint cultural and economic events on a regular basis.