Uzbekistan to Boost Trade Ties with Pakistan, Eyes Balochistan’s Mining & Agriculture

Quetta: Uzbekistan’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Ali Sher, has reiterated his country’s dedication to enhancing trade relations with Pakistan, with a particular focus on investment opportunities in Balochistan’s mining and agriculture sectors.

During a meeting in Islamabad with a delegation from the Quetta Chamber of Commerce and Industry (QCCI), led by President Haji Muhammad Ayub Mariani and Senior Vice President Haji Akhtar Kakar, the ambassador expressed Uzbekistan’s strong interest in collaborating across key economic sectors in Balochistan.

Ali Sher invited Balochistan’s business community to participate in an exhibition showcasing Uzbek products scheduled to take place in Lahore later this month. Additionally, he extended an invitation to a QCCI trade delegation to visit Uzbekistan after Eidul Fitr to explore potential investment and business partnerships.

The QCCI delegation welcomed these initiatives, emphasizing the importance of boosting bilateral trade, especially in the mining sector, where Uzbekistan’s expertise in advanced techniques could significantly benefit Balochistan. They also highlighted the province’s potential in agriculture and livestock, calling for greater cooperation in these areas.

Currently, Pakistan’s exports to Uzbekistan are valued at around $150 million, while imports from Uzbekistan range between $300 million and $350 million. Both parties acknowledged the need to increase these trade volumes to leverage emerging business opportunities.

The QCCI delegation confirmed their participation in the Lahore exhibition and their upcoming visit to Uzbekistan, where they plan to engage with business leaders in Tashkent and visit key economic hubs, including Samarkand, Bukhara, and Termez.