The President of Uzbekistan and the Prime Minister of Pakistan attended a joint business forum.

The event was attended by executives and representatives of more than 300 leading industrial and trading companies, industry organizations, and business entities from both countries.

Pakistani businesses were represented by companies such as PEL, Waves Singer, Sadaqat, Fauji, Platinum, Fast Cables, National Fruit, Amson Group, Shaigan, Hans International, Secure Logistics Group, NLC, Fairmont, Go Dairy, Engro, Herbion, AGP, Arco, Habib Rafiq, Pakistan Steel Mills, Siddiq Sons, Uniworth, Diners, Fatima Group, Fateh Group, Hub Leather, Siddiq Leather, Royal Leather, Davis, Ahsan Dyeing, and many others.

In his speech, the head of state noted with great satisfaction that the high-level talks held marked a new stage in the development of Uzbek-Pakistani relations, particularly in the trade, economic, and investment spheres.

For the first time in the history of bilateral cooperation, a protocol was signed providing for a new quality of economic interaction and increasing the volume of mutual trade to $2 billion.

Responsible officials of the two countries were instructed to develop a comprehensive roadmap and implement a mechanism for promptly resolving emerging issues.

The President of Uzbekistan outlined key areas of economic partnership.

These include pharmaceuticals and medicine, light industry, mining and metallurgy, geology, and expanded cooperation in food security.

Pakistani companies have been invited to participate in projects to localize pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and medical equipment in Uzbekistan. Favorable conditions will be created for Pakistani investors to operate in the Tashkent Pharmaceutical Park.

It was noted that there is great potential for cooperation in the joint production of finished textile products for international brands. Uzbekistan is ready to transfer textile enterprises to trust management and create separate leather industry zones for Pakistani partners.

Special attention is given to the prospects for joint production of meat, potatoes, and rice, as well as a partnership with the National Genomics Institute of Pakistan in seed production and breeding.

Strengthening transport and logistics connectivity is an important prerequisite for further expanding trade.

Freight traffic has commenced along the Pakistan-China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan route, air service has been launched to Lahore and Islamabad, and the Trans-Afghan Railway project is progressing. Cargo flights to Karachi and direct passenger flights to Lahore will begin in April of this year.

To strengthen interregional contacts, the initiative to hold the first Forum of Regions this year was supported.

Finally, the President of Uzbekistan and the Prime Minister of Pakistan signed a separate Protocol on the agreements reached, which sets out the timeframe for practical implementation and the heads of ministries and agencies of the two countries responsible for this.

A ceremony to exchange a number of investment and trade-economic agreements was also held in the presence of the leaders.