Ambassador Alisher Tukhtaev: Political relations between Uzbekistan and Pakistan have reached a new level in recent years

At the invitation of the President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev, on February 25, Prime Minister of Pakistan Shahbaz arrived in our country on a two-day official visit Sharif.

The day before, a Dunyo news agency correspondent talked with the ambassador of our country in Islamabad, Alisher Tukhtaev, about the current state and prospects of bilateral Uzbek-Pakistan relations.

- How do you assess the state of relations between our countries today?

- Political relations between Uzbekistan and Pakistan have reached a new level in recent years. Mutual visits by heads of state, a strategic partnership agreement and statements of cooperation clearly confirm this.

The two countries also actively cooperate within the framework of international structures such as the UN, SCO, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and the Economic Cooperation Organization.

Both countries demonstrate a strong political will to strengthen cooperation in ensuring regional security and stability.

The visit of His Excellency the Prime Minister of Pakistan Shahbaz Sharif to our country will further strengthen the political dialogue, increase mutual trust and understanding at the highest level. During the visit, important political documents are expected to be signed.

- How are relations developing in the trade and economic sphere?

- Trade turnover between the two countries has been steadily growing in recent years. By the end of 2024, trade turnover exceeded $404 million.

Currently, the parties are working to further increase the volume of mutual trade to 1 billion US dollars in the coming years and intensify industrial cooperation. Both countries are taking concrete measures to expand the structure of exports and imports of food, textiles and electrical products.

Uzbekistan is interested in increasing the export of agricultural products to Pakistan, especially fruits and vegetables, grains and textiles. At the same time, Pakistan's capabilities in the pharmaceuticals, textiles, construction materials and information technology sectors are important for the Uzbek market.

There are ample opportunities for the implementation of large joint projects in the textile industry. Combining our strengths will help create competitive products on the global market.

We see great potential for the exchange of advanced technologies in agriculture, the implementation of joint projects in the field of product processing, as well as for increasing export volumes of fruits, vegetables and grains. Our countries can cooperate to improve food security and jointly enter new markets.

Uzbekistan and Pakistan are also rapidly developing the information technology sector. We can focus on areas such as creating IT centers, working on joint educational programs and digitalization projects, as well as outsourcing services. This opens up great prospects for our economy.

- What promising projects are planned for implementation in the trade and economic sphere?

- It is planned to develop transit trade through the port of Karachi, as well as create joint investment funds. This will strengthen trade relations between the two countries.

In the field of economic diplomacy, the priority areas are improving infrastructure, building logistics centers in the territories of the two countries, opening trading houses, strengthening industrial cooperation.

In addition, in the future it is planned to continue the experience of the national industrial exhibitions “Made in Pakistan” and “Made in Pakistan” held in Tashkent and Lahore Uzbekistan" and increase the number of products presented.

We are creating the basis for signing new investment projects by organizing business forums with the participation of entrepreneurs from both countries.

The relevant ministries and departments of Uzbekistan and Pakistan are working on the full implementation of the provisions of the Agreements on transit trade and preferential trade, increasing the volume of mutual trade through increasing the number of preferential goods, creating favorable conditions for the free movement of goods and services.

Mechanisms for establishing direct and close cooperation between the regions, chambers of commerce and industry and business circles of the two states are also being developed.

- What is the role of the chambers of commerce and industry of Uzbekistan and Pakistan in the development of mutual trade and investments?

- Relations between the chambers of commerce and industry of the two countries, as well as existing mechanisms for cooperation between business circles, open up great opportunities for the development and strengthening of mutual economic ties.

Chambers of commerce and industry can become key intermediaries in establishing business contacts and implementing joint projects.

The creation of joint business platforms and special committees will make it easier for entrepreneurs to organize business forums, exhibitions and meetings. This, in turn, will help entrepreneurs from both countries find partners and implement joint projects.

- How can both countries stimulate investment in infrastructure and energy development?

- Our countries can expand cooperation by coordinating efforts to develop investments in strategically important infrastructure and energy sectors, creating a favorable investment climate, and implementing joint projects.

Joint investments in roads and railways, logistics centers and cargo terminals will contribute to the development of trade and strengthening economic ties.

The energy sector is also one of the promising areas. We can cooperate on projects to develop renewable energy sources, including the creation of solar and wind power plants, hydropower and gas infrastructure. These joint initiatives will ensure energy security and accelerate the transition to sustainable energy sources.

- What cultural exchange programs or initiatives are being implemented between Uzbekistan and Pakistan?

- We plan to promote a number of initiatives aimed at deepening cultural exchange between our countries. In particular, active work is being carried out in the following areas:

- holding cultural festivals and exhibitions of art, photography, crafts and traditional music in Pakistan, demonstrating the rich cultural heritage of Uzbekistan;

- development and support of student and teacher exchange programs, strengthening academic ties between universities;

- development of joint tourism programs and travel routes promoting the historical heritage of our countries;

- implementation of joint creative projects in the field of theater and cinema.

In addition, we believe that the opening of cultural centers in both countries is an effective way to promote common historical and cultural values.

On January 3, 2025, we opened the Uzbek-Pakistani House of Culture in Karachi. It will become an important platform for strengthening cultural and humanitarian ties between our countries. The center actively promotes Uzbek culture, art, language and traditions, and organizes various events. It also serves as a platform for programs and projects that promote deepening mutual understanding and friendship between the two peoples.

- What joint projects are being implemented in the field of tourism?

- Uzbekistan and Pakistan have a rich common cultural heritage associated with the history of Islamic civilization, monuments of the Great Silk Road, monuments of the era Temurids and Baburids. This opens up wide opportunities for the rapid development of cooperation in the field of tourism.

In addition, in September 2024, Uzbekistan introduced a simplified procedure for issuing visas for Pakistani citizens. This, in turn, contributed to an increase in the number of tourists, students and entrepreneurs wishing to visit Uzbekistan. Simplification of the visa regime has opened up new opportunities for cultural exchange, studying historical monuments and cultural traditions, as well as establishing business connections.

Since November last year, Uzbekistan Airways launched regular flights on the Tashkent-Lahore route, operating every Friday. Direct flights have improved transport links, reduced travel times and created convenience for tourists. It also promotes cooperation between business circles in trade, investment and other areas.

To take full advantage of these opportunities, we work with relevant ministries, tourism companies and tour operators to jointly promote tourism, including pilgrimage, by developing thematic tourist routes that cover the historical monuments of our countries and allow for a closer look at our common cultural values.

In addition, we strive to further strengthen the positions of our countries in the global tourism market through cooperation in international tourism exhibitions.

I am confident that the simplification of the visa regime and the establishment of direct flights will have a significant impact on the growth of tourist flows and the strengthening of cultural and humanitarian ties between the two fraternal countries.

- How do you assess the role of public diplomacy in deepening mutual understanding and cooperation between Uzbekistan and Pakistan?

- Public diplomacy and people-to-people exchanges play an important role in initiatives to develop regional ties. Such forms of cooperation contribute to the establishment of strong contacts between our peoples. This serves to strengthen mutual understanding, trust and cooperation between the two fraternal peoples.

Such relations create an atmosphere of mutual respect and openness, giving significant impetus to the development of bilateral relations in various fields - from business and education to culture and large joint infrastructure projects.

Tools of public diplomacy allow citizens of both countries to communicate directly, strengthening strong ties between our peoples. This eliminates old stereotypes formed in society, strengthens friendly relations and cooperation at all levels.

Such exchanges help create a network of personal and professional contacts, develop human capital and strengthen ties between our countries. This is important for the long-term development of relationships.

People participating in such programs serve as "bridges" between cultures, helping to strengthen mutual respect and cooperation.

- Please share the prospects for the development of relations between the two countries in the future.

- In order to further develop relations between Uzbekistan and Pakistan have included in our work plan the implementation of a number of joint activities and projects in the trade-economic, banking-financial, transport-logistics and cultural-humanitarian spheres.

In particular, in order to increase trade turnover between the two countries and stimulate trade, negotiations are underway to expand the list of goods covered by the Preferential Trade Agreement and to improve interbank settlements. This will help reduce customs duties and accelerate mutual trade relations.

Also, together with large transport and logistics companies, we are working on issues of diversifying routes for fast and convenient transportation of goods and optimizing customs processes.

Our joint agenda includes the organization of a number of cultural events, festivals and exhibitions in the territories of the two countries. New interesting tourism programs are being developed together with industry organizations.

Agreements have been reached on expanding cooperation between higher educational institutions of Uzbekistan and Pakistan, creating educational programs, conducting joint scientific research, and intensifying student exchange. We are currently working on their implementation.

- Alisher Khakimovich, thank you for taking the time to talk with us.

- Thank you very much.