ISLAMABAD, Aug 17 (INP-WealthPK): Pakistan has stressed the need to urgently operationalize the Transit Trade Agreement and Preferential Trade Agreement with Uzbekistan in order to fully unlock the immense bilateral economic potential, according to a press statement issued by the PM Office.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in a meeting with Ambassador of Uzbekistan Oybek Usmanov reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to provide Central Asian countries with transit access to the ports of Karachi, Bin Qasim and Gwadar. He highlighted Pakistan’s vision for deeper engagement with Central Asia and the important role of Uzbekistan in this regard. He expressed satisfaction at the level of close and fraternal relations between Pakistan and Uzbekistan and emphasized the importance of further deepening bilateral trade and economic ties.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif underlined the significance of Trans-Afghan Railway Project to advance the connectivity agenda and promote regional prosperity. He also invited Uzbek investments in Special Economic Zones (SEZs) of Pakistan, particularly in industrial, electronics and agricultural sectors, which would accrue mutual benefits.

The prime minister stressed the closer collaboration in education, tourism and cultural spheres to promote people-to-people contacts. Underlining the importance of direct bilateral air connectivity, he urged the respective national airlines to start operations at the earliest to facilitate the movement of businessmen, students and tourists between the two countries

Credits: Independent News Pakistan-WealthPk