Usman Shaukat: Uzbekistan and Pakistan are on the right track to foster economic growth mutually
Usman Shaukat, President of the Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, shared his views on the 36th International Achievement Awards and the Uzbekistan-Pakistan Business Opportunities Conference, held recently in Tashkent
- I am Usman Shaukat, President of the Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and it is a privilege to be here in Tashkent for the 36th International Achievement Awards and the Business Opportunities Conference. This is a landmark event for our Chamber, which we hold in key locations around the world, and this year we chose Tashkent because of the deep brotherly relations and strong linkages we share with Uzbekistan.
This morning, at the Business Opportunities Conference, we had over 200 delegates from Pakistan and more than 50 companies from both countries. We represented diverse sectors – pharmaceuticals, agriculture, IT, textiles, and more. We held detailed discussions, signed MOUs, and explored joint ventures. It was incredibly encouraging to see such practical collaboration taking place.
Our delegation consists of many successful entrepreneurs, and today, through these Achievement Awards, we celebrate their accomplishments. Many of these companies are looking to expand into Uzbekistan. Just yesterday, we visited the Pharma Park, and the potential for collaboration between Pakistan and Uzbekistan in pharmaceuticals is extraordinary.
The target set by our Prime Minister and the President of Uzbekistan is $2 billion in bilateral trade. I honestly believe we could reach $4 billion if we overcome a few logistical and financial obstacles. We discussed these at length this morning – road and rail connectivity, banking and financial transactions, and of course, stronger people-to-people linkages.
Tourism is another area that is largely untapped between our countries. I see immense potential there as well. What we are doing today, these events and discussions, are laying the foundation for stronger economic ties. We share culture, heritage, and religion, but now it is time to strengthen our economic and business connections.
Uzbekistan is a remarkable success story in economic growth, and Pakistan, with its population of 250 million, offers significant market opportunities. Regional collaboration is key, especially in today’s complex global environment. I firmly believe Uzbekistan and Pakistan are on the right track to foster economic growth together, and this is just the beginning.
